Woodland Conservation Group SHWWP

Oxleas Pond

Saturday, 8th August 2026

While most of the grass across Oxleas Woodlands has been dry and yellow for several weeks now, one patch has been positively thriving. Around the edge of Oxleas Pond, lush green grass began growing along the high-water mark and has quickly spread into the pond itself, forming thick, floating clumps.

Thriving Grass Infilling the Pond

So, last Saturday, on yet another hot and sunny day, our 13 volunteers, supported by the Park Ranger and a van full of tools, headed down from the meeting point towards the cooler, sun-dappled pond.

Straight away, everyone got stuck in. Some volunteers, equipped with wellies, cautiously waded into the pond itself, carefully avoiding letting the water spill over the tops, while others in work boots tackled the vegetation and debris from the pond edges.

First came the familiar task of removing a sizeable assortment of branches and other pieces of wood that had been thrown into the pond. This is important because as the wood rots down, it can contribute organic material to the pond, gradually building up layers of debris and silt and reducing the open water. While clearing the branches, volunteers also shovelled out some of the silt that was already accumulating.

All Hands to the Pond!

Others took on the back-breaking job of forking out thick clumps of grass that were growing and floating in a wonderfully gloopy mixture of water and clay! The removed material was then placed along some of the lowest pond edges. This is an important part of pond management: when vegetation and sediment are removed, any small pond creatures accidentally displaced can make their way back towards suitable habitat rather than being left stranded away from the water.

Once the work in the pond itself was complete, volunteers turned their attention to the growing number of informal ‘desire paths’ around its edges. Some trees were cut and carefully laid across these routes. Over time, they will continue to grow new shoots and branches, gradually developing into a living barrier.

Tackling one of many 'Desire Paths'

Although it is lovely that so many people enjoy walking around the pond, too many informal paths can cause significant damage. Repeated footfall erodes vegetation and compacts the soil, making it increasingly difficult for plants to grow. Heavy disturbance can also make the area less suitable for amphibians, birds and other wildlife that we are trying to encourage around this valuable pond habitat.

There were relatively few birds around during this session, which is not unusual in August, but we did spot a solitary wren. Large green dragonflies were also busy patrolling the pond, darting too quickly for us to identify them with certainty, although they may well have included females of species such as the Emperor or Southern Hawker. Happily, there was plenty of evidence that the pond is continuing to provide a healthy habitat: tadpoles were still present, along with lots of tiny froglets.

Another satisfying session, with plenty of opportunity for chatting and socialising as we worked. There was, however, one unfortunate discovery when a volunteer found out the hard way that their wellies had a leak! Though, by the end, most of us had acquired a generous splattering of wonderfully smelly pond mud somewhere or other – just enough to make those travelling home on public transport feel particularly conspicuous!

A big thank you to all 13 volunteers for another productive session helping to care for this important woodland pond and its wildlife.