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Plumstead Village Pond

Before the renovation

Before the renovation work started in September 2009 the area was a complete jungle of willows and other "weed" trees and the water that could be seen was murky and completely lifeless. Click for more pictures about the renovation.

After the renovation

Less than one year later plants have recolonised the water [supplemented by introduced native to Norfolk species] and frogs, toads, tadpoles, newts and numerous insects have appeared including more than than 10 different damsel/dragonflies.  The surrounding area has been planted with native shrubs by volunteers from the village and by Spring 2011 the adjoining piece of land should be a vibrant wildflower meadow.

Record of Sightings

(download)

History

The pond existed prior to 1797 and appears to have been enlarged by about 50% between 1840 and 1879. It was probably an old clay pit and from the amount of silt removed this was possibly the first time it had really been cleared out. The base consists of a blue/grey glacial clay and the water is about 7 feet deep in the centre. Surprisingly, only two old items were found during the work - an iron "tyre" for a wooden cartwheel and an old horseshoe - which hopefully will bring the village luck! 

Official Opening & Funding

The area was officially opened by Norman Lamb, MP for North Norfolk and the plaque reads:

The restoration of the village pond and surrounding area was carried out by the Parish Council to provide a haven for wildlife and a tranquil and environmentally friendly area for villagers and others to enjoy. It was officially opened by Norman Lamb, MP for North Norfolk, on 24 July 2010. 

The project was made possible by generous financial contributions from The Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm, Norfolk Environmental Waste Services Limited, The Plumstead 2000 Fund and with the co-operation of the Barningham Estate.

David Ramsbotham - Chairman

Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm contributed £8500, Norfolk Environmental Waste Services [now NORSE] £4487 and The Plumstead 2000 Fund [the village fund raising charity] £1000. The Barningham Estate has allowed free use of the land for an initial period of 20 years.

Plumstead has won two awards for this project:

  • NNDC Environment Awards 2011 – Improving Natural Spaces’ category
  • CPRE Norfolk Award 2011

Plumsteadpondaward

©Julia Holland AMPA

David Ramsbotham, Jill Fisher, Doreen Lang and Irene Ramsbotham taken on Thursday 17 November at the CPRE Norfolk Awards 2011 held at the Assembly House in Norwich.

The area is well worth a visit

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