Forum topic: Volunteers needed to plan and create a growing space and wildlife pond in Broomfield Park

Many of you will have heard about the plans of the Friends of Broomfield Park to create a wildlife pond and a community growing space in the park. Well, it is about to happen.

Do you fancy helping to create the new wildlife pond and community growing space in Broomfield Park?

The pond and growing space will be located between the tennis courts and the orchard.

The location of the growing space and wildlife pond - and what they might look like

1. Marking out, stripping the turf and installing reinforcement for the pond bank.

On Wednesday 13th April (from 9.00am) we will mark out the pond and the line of its bank. We will be using a machine to strip the turf where the pond will be going. We will drive wooden stakes into the ground and then fix a substantial mesh to the stakes to help reinforce the pond bank. If we have time we will also strip the turf where we will be putting the raised planters in the growing space.

2. Digging the Pond

On Thursday 14th April (from 9.00am) a JCB digger will dig the pond and sculpt the surrounding area to create an earth bank that will surround the pond on three sides. We will also assemble the raised timber planters in the growing space.

3. Puddling the clay

On Saturday 16th April from 10.00 to 12.30 (as part of the National BIG DIG DAY) and on Sunday afternoon (from 2.00 to 4.00pm) we will adjust the profile of the bank to the pond and start to 'puddle' the clay. It will be fun . . . messy but necessary! We will also start prepare the ground next to the pond to plant a native hedgerow.

Come and get involved in this exciting project - whether you just want to see what is going on, or to get your hands dirty!

For more information contact .