Survey will help transform pond

GREEN fingered pupils from Foxborough Middle School in Lowestoft have carried out a wildlife survey to help in the ongoing regeneration of a Lowestoft pond.

They have teamed up with neighbourhood management group Lowestoft Together to transform the fly tipped and dirty pond in Wissett Way, into habitat suitable to attract butterflies, frogs and birds.

The students, all part of teacher Jerildine Lines eco committee spent Monday afternoon counting the species of trees and plants around the pond and identifying the varying insects living there, by making an inventory to give to Lowestoft Together.

Amongst the wildlife found were ducks, earthworms, centipedes, maggots and worms.

Ms Lines said: “John Ellerby, who used to be with Lowestoft Together got in touch with me through eco schools and asked us if we would like to help.

“The other day they took all the water out, they thought it would take four or five days, but actually it only took four or five hours.”

The pond is now full with water again and Miss Lines said she was convinced there was a spring in there somewhere because rainwater alone wouldn't equate to the amount of water found.

“We didn't realise there would be water here otherwise we would have gone right down into the mud. The children also wanted to see a red-eared terrapin, which we believe is here,” said Miss Lines.

“We need to know what is here before we start regenerating the area, to compare it with what's here now in order to improve the situation. We want to make it sustainable for the future generations of people who will come here,” she added.

Lowestoft Together have been working in conjunction with Waveney District and Suffolk Country Council and have found many cases of people using the area as a dumping ground with a satellite dish, microwave and several bikes buried in the pond.

The area has already seen scrub and ivy removed, along with the coppicing of trees and sapling.

The team are now looking at ways to make the pond a community asset. Plants, shrubs and seeds are expected to be planted in due course.