Broadfield Park pond set for spring clean

Date published: 20/02/2006

The pond in Rochdale's Broadfield Park is to get a make-over, starting this week, thanks to a successful partnership between the Mersey Basin Campaign, Rochdale Council's Environmental Management service and the Environment Agency.

The pond, located on the western edge of the park by Manchester Road has declined in the years following the creation the dual carriageway. The size of the pond was drastically reduced, which led to a serious water loss within the pond.

However, with funding from the Environment Agency, the area will be transformed into a haven for wildlife. Mike Cummings of the Mersey Basin Campaign said, "Rotting vegetation and silt will be removed from the body of the pond. Trees will be selectively felled to preserve the best specimens and allow light to the reach the pond. And we'll be planting native waterside plants to make the area more attractive for both people and wildlife, whilst helping to keep the water clean."

The improvements will also demonstrate sustainable practice by recycling material on site. West Pennine Woodturners will use logs from the felled trees for wood turning as part of their current display at Touchstones.  Larger logs will be kept on site for construction work, allowing fungi to grow for added interest and biodiversity.

Chipped branches will be used for mulch and some existing water plants will be replanted following the restoration work at the pond. 

Bob Bevan, Warden at Broadfield Park said, "We will be creating a path network around the pond made partly with used material from the old paths when the overall parks renovation starts later in the year. Once the pond has established, over several years, this area will allow schools to visit for pond dipping - opening up specific curriculum activities not previously available at the park. 

"Some paths are steep in this part of the park but we hope that in the future we can make the pond area accessible to all, particularly for wheelchair users."

Bob added, "The project follows previous work with Broadfield School to introduce wildflowers in the surrounding area.  Native plants such as red campion, selfheal and meadow buttercup were successfully established from seed last summer.  Once the pond is restored, further planting with species such as yellow flag iris, marsh marigold and flowering rush will take place. We will expand a wildflower meadow on the slopes above the pond with a larger variety of wildflowers. We will also introduce additional shrubs with wildlife benefit and interest, with planting aided by volunteers and school groups."