What’s new?
11 May 2006
Trust Education Centre receives a helping hand
A Local Group plans to raise funds for a new wildlife pond at Grafham Water Nature Reserve
The Huntingdon Area Local Group of the Wildlife Trust is planning to raise at least half the money needed for another new wildlife pond for education at Grafham Water Nature Reserve, Perry, near Huntingdon.
George Cottam of the Huntingdon Group said that ”This is just such a fantastic opportunity for local children, that we couldn’t resist offering to help. I feel confident that we can raise well over two thousand pounds from our members, with support from the local community and local businesses. We will be holding fundraising events throughout the spring and summer and hope to raise at least half the total needed".
All the ponds tend to dry out during the summer pond-dipping season which makes it difficult for children to reach the water. Education centre manager, Debbie McKenzie, has taken advice from a local farmer to design the best water-retaining pond under local conditions. The proposed design will minimise the effect of low water levels close to the pond-dipping platform whilst cutting into the Oxford Clay subsoil will eliminate the need for a liner. The pond will be L-shaped and the boardwalk will be sunk to just above top water level, covering over 36 metres of the bankside, and be fully wheelchair accessible.
The new pond will be just inside the nature reserve, adjacent to Mander car park, and will be easily accessible to everybody. The pond will become home to newts, dragonfly larvae, water beetles and a host of aquatic creatures and plants that many children do not have the opportunity to see close up. The pond should be dug, boarded and filled in the winter 2006/7.
Please contact George Cottam on 01480 450809 if you want to get involved or donate to the Grafham Wildlife Pond Project or visit our website on www.wildlifetrust-huntsareagroup.org.uk