Carisbrooke Pond is a large body of water located in the heart of a community and surroundings rich in history and heritage. Records show that the pond has been known as The Carisbrooke Pond, the Eight Bells Pond, the Mill Dam, Waterworks Pond and Priory Pond.
However by 2007 it had been neglected and was a poor resource both in terms of its ecological potential and value to local people. An opportunity existed to develop this potential.
Newport Rivers Group commissioned a project that saw the creation of a marginal zone for wetland plants and some terrestrial planting to contribute towards a richer diversity of habitats at this site. Measures were taken to reduce fish over-stocking and now bats, amphibians, wildflowers, insects, grasses, birds and mammals – all can flourish at this site.
In order to keep the pond in tip-top condition it is important that people do not feed the ducks or gulls. It is not good for their health and is one of the main reasons why the pond lacks many other species. By reducing duck numbers we improve the water quality and enable the establishment of many more plant species. In turn, this will not only benefit wildlife such as butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, great crested newts, and many bird species, but will improve the aesthetic value and experience for local people and visitors. Unfortunately due to anti-social behaviour public access has been restricted. The pond can only be viewed from the garden of the Eight Bells Pub.
Further Reading
Carisbrooke Pond Feasibility Study 2007
