The creation of a wildlife ponds can do more for bio-diversity than any other comparable investment. Ponds contain large quantities of invertebrates, amphibians and insects which attract animals, birds and bats for whom they provide a rich source of food.

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The Latchmere Pond was created in Spring 2021. The construction was funded by the Council but its ongoing maintenance is undertaken by FoLaR volunteers in the Pond Group.

The pond is enclosed by a fence and self-closing gate, to keep children safe and keep out dogs which can be harmful to pond life.

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Behind the fence is a native hedge, comprising 13 species (hazel, blackthorn, holly, silver birch, elder, rowan, field maple, cherry, ivy, field elm, crab apple, dogwood, dog rose) which, through their flowers and berries, provide colour and food and shelter for birds.

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This is a ‘laid hedge’, - a traditional method involves partially-cutting and bending over the stems rather than simply cutting back the hedge. This results in a thicker and healthier hedge than would otherwise be the case.

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Birdlife is further supported through a bird feeder, which the dedicated team in the bird feeder group has kept filled and cleaned, without fail for over three years. Following advice from the RSPB about the risk of spreading disease among birds, FoLaR has recently decided to limit bird feeding to the winter months.

 

Unfortunately, the pond has suffered from leakage over several years. The Council is continuing address this (May 2026) with the contractor.

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Despite this, the pond garden is alive with the sounds of birds and FoLaR volunteers have recorded 40 species at or near the pond. Bats are also abundant around the pond and FoLaR organises guided bats walks.

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FoLaR plans to undertake systematic monitoring of species in and around the pond once the problems of leakage have been resolved and to publicise the results.