What’s that box in Barnes Pond?

Following the suspected cases of avian botulism on the pond over the summer, one of our priorities has been finding ways to improve the health of the pond.

Increasing oxygen levels and encouraging more plant life are part of this work. While long term plans are being developed in collaboration with Richmond Council, local councillors and Barnes Common charity, we’re trying some immediate practical measures too.

Our new planting box will give pond lily, pond weed and other plants the sunlight and protection they need to establish - while preventing birds from eating them. The removal of carp by contractors in August will also help, as the carp were feeding on the plants, making it very difficult for new plants to establish.

A huge thank you to the Men’s Shed team for building the box and to our greenkeeper for the research and guidance on measures we can implement ourselves in the short term.

We’ll be monitoring how the plants develop and may make some changes in the coming months as we learn how effective they are.

We will share more about the long term plans on the pond soon.