The first phase of the Queensmere restoration begins!
The first phase of the Queensmere restoration project is scheduled to begin during the first week of November 2024
In April 2023, Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators were awarded funding to carry out surveys of Queensmere, and to also develop landscape designs that would aim to improve the pond for both wildlife and visitors.
These surveys were carried out in 2023 and sadly identified that despite being located within the green and natural landscape of the Commons, this man-made pond with its concrete banks provided little in the way of ecological value and was in an impoverished and poor condition.
One of the problems identified was the number of trees that dominate the vegetative coverage around the pond, negatively impacting the water quality and overall ecology of the pond, and the report recommended that maintenance works to the trees located around the perimeter of the pond be considered a high priority in the overall restoration project.
The percentage of canopy shaded banks around the pond is estimated to be upwards of 50% of the perimeter and, unless this is managed, will:
- reduce the amount of light getting to the pond
- prevent the successful growth of marginal vegetation - a vital component for a healthy wildlife pond.
- restrict wind movement over the pond, reducing wave action.
- increasing siltation from falling leaves in the areas immediately beneath the canopies.
- impact the water quality leading to algal blooms
- increase the dominance of invasive duckweed as well as blanket weed.
In order to help alleviate these issues, and before we start the main restoration project, work will shortly begin on the management of the trees within approximately 20 metres of the pond’s perimeter. The work will include the removal of invasive holly, coppicing of hazel and a general reduction of large shade bearing branches. All mature native tree species will be left on site with tree safety work being the only consideration.
The result of reducing the canopy will be a reduction of leaf litter that falls directly into the pond and, more significantly, the increase in light to the pond margins which will provide the required energy to power the regeneration of the fauna and flora and massively improve the pond’s biodiversity.
If you have any queries on the work that will take place, please contact Conservation and Engagement Officer, Peter Haldane – Click here to e-mail Peter
To read more about the Queenmere and our restoration project, click here