Weeke Pond is a significant local landmark, easily seen from the road as you walk, cycle or drive into Winchester. In recent months it has been looking a little sorry for itself, and our dry summer has not helped. However, the good news is there is an active group of local volunteers working to make things better.
The mud and silt that runs off the road has filled the Pond, reducing water levels for wildlife – indeed you may have seen the pond dried out over the summer. That mud is also tainted with oil and diesel, which is not good for animals and plants. However, Martin Tod, our local County Councillor, has succeeded in securing a grant from the County Council to help remove this sludge. That process is being planned now, it will need to be dug out by hand before the Pond can be refilled with fresh water.
In the meanwhile, much work has been done to cut back and tidy up the vegetation. We’re very grateful to students from Sparsholt College who did the bulk of that work in early November, under the supervision of their Tutors. The College have also agreed to help with advice on re-planting and managing the Pond’s vegetation in future, so our thanks to all at Sparsholt.
If you have any thoughts about the Pond or would like to volunteer to help if the opportunity arises then do contact TDNG and we’ll pass that on to the volunteers who are helping Weeke Pond recover.”
Teg Down Nature Group 