This fundraiser is for vital funds for the restoration of Great Massingham’s historic Scotsman’s Pit pond.

Great Massingham is a beautiful Village in the East of England, Norfolk. Home to ponds and pits dating back to the 11th Century. These ponds have played vital roles in the village in those hundreds of years - from feeding the Augustinian Abbey, to now being the centrepiece of the village. Along with St Mary’s Church which is approximately 800 years old. Great Massingham Would be lost without this historic landmark.

Residents and Enthusiasts frequent this pond to enjoy fishing. Catching beautiful Carp which have been native to the pond for decades. These used to be caught to feed the Monks At the nearby Abbey, but are now caught for sport and enjoyed by many.

Dredging of the pond is vital. Pollution, algae, bird waste and silt builds up in the ponds over time. This can be made worse in droughts and hot temperatures- which we are experiencing with no sign of end.

The temperature of the water left in the pond has reached temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius, and is so badly aerated, the lack of oxygen is killing the fish. Over 100 have been lost so far.

And as the water continues to dry, the water gets more and more toxic.

We are fundraising for dredging of the pond, (removing silt, mud and waste from the pond bed) restoring the banks and providing a clean and safe body of water for wildlife to thrive in in the future. Ensuring preventative measures can be put in place for future droughts and dry spells, The works will begin in August, And will aim to preserve the remaining fish in the best way possible- whilst getting the ponds bed ready for some much needed rain. The Scotsman’s Pit will be the first to fill when it does rain, thankfully.

The dredging of the pond bed and restoration is predicted to cost £10,000-£20,000 and is managed by a community group, the Parish Council, fishing wardens and volunteers..

But is priceless to the residents of Great Massingham, and those who visit. All donations help towards the future of our wonderful fishing pond, The Scotsman’s Pit.

If you don’t wish to donate, feel free to share this fundraiser with someone who LOVES visiting Great Massingham, and LOVES the view of the beautiful, healthy, full pond

Thankyou

Friends of Scotsman’s Pit

The beneficiary of this fundraiser is “The Friends of Scotsman’s Pit”

Please see the Facebook Group

“Great Massingham Fishing” for live updates with the ponds Progress. Work STARTING AUGUST