First step taken to improve the health of Barnes Pond

During the last week of July, an important first step in restoring the health of Barnes Pond got underway, with contractors reducing the pond's carp population as part of a wider programme of ecological improvements.

While carp are a familiar sight in the pond, large numbers can have a significant impact on water quality. As they feed, carp disturb the sediment on the pond bed, increasing the amount of silt in the water which in turn reduces oxygen levels in the water and can create conditions that encourage bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum to produce toxins. Botulism is believed to have been the cause of the recent deaths of many of the pond's birds.

Carp also uproot underwater plants that naturally oxygenate the water. By reducing the carp population, we will also be able to create the right conditions for reintroducing aquatic plants in the future.

The removal process is carried out carefully. The fish are temporarily stunned using a controlled electric current before being removed from the pond, health-checked and, if disease-free, rehomed to other suitable waters.

This work marks the beginning of a longer term programme to improve the health of Barnes Pond, and we are grateful to Richmond Council for organising and funding this important first step.