Work to restore the pond at Conigre Mead nature reserve in Melksham is to take place at the beginning of October.
Conigre Mead is a popular nature reserve located in the centre of Melksham. Originally it was only a field of rough grass until bought by local people who set about digging ponds, clearing scrub and planting trees and wildflowers. It was given to Wiltshire Wildlife Trust as a nature reserve in 1989 and is now a lovely mix of ponds, wildflower-rich grassland and shrubs. However, over recent years, the main pond has become overgrown with vegetation and failed to hold water in most years.
Under the launch of the new Bristol Avon Catchment Market project, the pond is now due to be restored this October using a clay bentonite liner. Using this kind of liner should enable the pond to retain water successfully, while also providing a resilient, ‘self-repairing’ base which is derived from natural materials (clay).
Works are expected to begin the week commencing 3rd October and will last several days. During this short period, visitors to the reserve should be aware that sections of the nature reserve, including some footpaths, may be temporarily closed to enable safe movement of machinery. Any path closures will be clearly marked. Wiltshire Wildlife Trust will do its best to ensure public access remains open where possible.
The Bristol Avon Catchment Market is a world-leading approach to nature recovery that delivers verified environmental outcomes, secures a good deal for landholders for nature-based projects, and ensures value-for-money for ethical buyers of environmental services. This project is funded by the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm’s-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, in partnership with Natural England, the Environment Agency and Forestry Commission.
For more information about the Bristol Avon Catchment Market, visit, https://www.bristolavoncatchmentmarket.uk/ To plan your visit to Conigre Mead nature reserve visit the Wiltshire Wildlife website, https://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/conigre-mead-melksham