17 February 2010
Following the findings of a recent ecological survey Eastbourne Borough Council’s Cabinet has approved the release of £60,000 in its capital works programme for 2010/11 to help improve the biodiversity and aesthetic appeal of the Decoy Pond in HampdenPark.
Last reconstructed over a century ago the condition of the water and surrounding habitats has gradually declined in recent decades. The release of this significant funding will allow work to begin on a number of specific projects aimed at improving water quality and enhancing the natural habitat on the islands and lake margins.
New reed beds will be constructed that will help filter the water naturally before it flows into the pond. Sections of the bank edge will be raised and a new spillway will be constructed at the outlet allowing for a slight increase in the volume of water held in the lake. On the islands and lake margins there will be some trees cut back or removed to help reduce leaf fall directly into the water, improve the habitat and allow more sunlight into the area. Significant specimen trees will be unaffected by this work which will be done outside the nesting season.
Silt will be excavated from the channel separating the nearest island from the shore. This material will be used nearby to create a new area of marginal planting using locally sourced native plants. Further silt relocation and reed bed creation could also take place within the main pond, when funds become available.
Some initial vegetation thinning has already been carried out in the vicinity of the dam and further work will continue on both islands planned for late February or November to avoid the nesting season. It is anticipated that the reed beds and other improvements will be carried out from late summer onwards.
Councillor Steve Wallis, Lead Cabinet Spokesperson for the Environment praised the work of the Parks & Gardens Team in bringing this project together. He also gave praise to the Friends of Hampden Park for all their hard work and commitment, and who are themselves seeking to attract additional funding, which if gained will enable further works to be undertaken.
“The Council has put considerable funds into this work not only to improve water quality but also the biodiversity of the pond and its surroundings. We are also going to improve play facilities within HampdenPark at a cost of £50,000 later in the year, which will enhance works already carried out in 2009.”
