Swallow Pond Rejuvenation
Added at 14:02 on 20 October 2026
Residents approached the Parish Council with concerns over Swallow Pond which had become completely overgrown with rushes, sedges, goat willow and small set set sapling trees. These were taking all the available moisture from this historic dew pond leaving dry and void of water since May. Dew ponds rely on rainwater and have no spring or inlet.
The Council took the opportunity to apply to SCC for a Pond Rejuvenation Grant and was excited to receive this funding in order to carry out the works via a local contractor.
Time was of the essence as much had to be done before the contractor could be brought in.
Thanks go to Andew Perkin (PhD) who drew up a Habitat Suitability Index for Greater Crested Newts, Paul Baker who gave advice on all things amphibians and volunteers who were willing to support the works with gloves and buckets.
Below are some of the before and after photos and the HSI Report. The work was carried out by Callum and Kirsty just in time for the weather to turn and residents are now willing and able to keep the pond in check and are looking forward to the rain filling the pond.
Planting pond friendly fauna to encourage biodiversity is planned in the coming months and waders will be purchased in anticiption.
A large portion of the pond was trimmed but left untouched with much of the pretty (but considered invasive) Michaelmas daisies left in place for the time being.
It is hoped in the years to come that the Habitat Suitability Index can be raised to a level that would include the finding of frogs, toads and newts.
Huge thanks also go the Team at Surrey County Council who awarded the grant.
