Mayford Heritage Pond |
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The History of Mayford Pond and its surroundings
The villagers of Mayford were approached by Woking Borough Council and the Surrey Wildlife Trust in March 1997 to see if we would like to take part in the scheme. At a public meeting in the village hall attended by over 100 people the project was put forward, discussed, and a vote held. The majority of those present decided it would be worthwhile and names of willing volunteers to carry out the work were given to the council’s countryside officer at the meeting. |
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From May to September 1997 the pond was designed, all the legal issues dealt with, and the materials needed were located and procured from a budget of some £4,000. Some of the materials were donated by local companies and the council match-funded the project also. In September the actual physical work of creating the pond began and virtually every weekend was spent working on the pond come rain or shine until it was filled-up in November that year. Each weekend the group were assisted by a total of nearly 50 volunteers over the period. Once the general shape of the pond had been established by an excavator, the profile was defined by hand to stabilize the banks. It then had to be lined to make it waterproof as any natural impervious layer had long since disappeared. |
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After a few days standing, to allow some of the chemicals present in the mains water to evaporate, the planting of the pond and its surrounds with native flora began. In 1998 Woking won the National Prize for the Britain in Bloom competition, and in 1999 won the southeast Regional Prize. On both occasions Mayford Pond was singled out for praise by the judges in their marking comments. Also in 1999, the pond was commended by the Canadian judges in the World in Bloom competition.
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Mayford Heritage Pond was designed, planted, and is managed for the benefit of the local wildlife that now lives there, and also for the enjoyment of the local community. If you have any questions about the pond, its history, wildlife, or management please use the Feedback form. |