2-May-2006 - Improved
angling opportunities as well as habitats for
wildlife have been created in Southampton thanks
to a restoration project carried out by the Environment
Agency.
Cromarty Pond is situated in
urban surroundings on the western side of Southampton
and a program of work was needed to restore the
watercourse to its former glory. Historically
the pond has suffered from leaks that have affected
water levels and the area was also heavily overgrown.
As the Environment Agency believes
that access to the environment should be made
to all, funding via rod licence revenue was secured
in order to restore this much-loved site. Work
was carried out to improve the quality of the
pond and also access for disabled people so that
they could fish there.
These works included the resurfacing
of the pathways and the modification of fishing
areas to make them suitable for wheelchair access.
The removal of overhanging limbs from trees and
improvements to fishing platforms enable easier
casting for junior anglers and beginners.
Marginal vegetation was also
planted in areas where shade from overhanging
tree limbs had limited aquatic plant growth and
it is expected that this will also provide protection
for juvenile fish habitats.
In addition to this, willow
pollarding was carried out on the island and this
project will now provide a natural haven for wildlife
to thrive for present and future generations.
Richard Redsull, Environment
Agency Fisheries Technical Officer for Hampshire,
said: "This work has enhanced angling opportunities
at the pond for all and it has also created a
natural beauty spot for local people to enjoy.
It has been a very rewarding project, especially
now that wildlife will have the chance to thrive
there for many years to come."
