We are the Cootes Pond Conservation Volunteers. As you may have noticed our much-loved pond has completely dried up again. Without doubt the weather does not help but after seeking professional advice the main reason is the build-up of silt. The last time the silt was removed was 40 years ago. So, the conclusion is, it needs to be physically removed again. We have a small group of regular volunteers, but this job is beyond our scope both physically and mechanically.

We have, therefore, reached out for quotes for the work to be done. As you can imagine it is not cheap and although the Summer Fayre raises enough each year for the regular maintenance of the pond and removal of the resulting green waste we are now in a position where we have to raise additional funds externally. On top of applying for grants wherever we can find them we are reaching out for help and donations from the local community and beyond.

Our current costing is based on the quotes and broken down as follows (incl VAT):

Mechanical Excavation of silt and removal of vegetation £8600

Removal of silt from site £8820

Restoring the bank for 20mt £5280

total £22,700

This figure is based on the de-silting being carried out when the pond is empty and the silt is dry.

Nearer the time we are planning to put a shout out to local farmers to see if any would be willing to take the silt for fertiliser and this would significantly reduce the over cost.

The pond is rare and beautiful asset and much valued by the community. In addition to de-silting we hope to be able to stabilise the banks for another, hopefully, 40 years.

Whether you can give £5 or £500, every donation matters and is gratefully received. It all counts towards our goal of ensuring Cootes Pond for future generations to enjoy.

Thank you on behalf of Cootes Pond Conservation Volunteers