Chain Pond
Chain Pond, which is opposite Earlswood Common on the corner of Pendleton and Somerset Roads, is believed to be a former cart pond created before 1874.
The formation of Chain Pond
Chain Pond relies on rain that falls directly onto the pond and flows off the highway surface and through nearby road gullies. The surface water is channelled into the pond through two inlets: one on Somerset Road and one at the rear of the pond.
As Chain Pond is small and relatively shallow, evaporation rates during warm, dry weather are likely to be higher than in deeper bodies of water. As warmer, drier summers become more frequent, Chain Pond is expected to be mainly seasonal (or ephemeral) - drying out in summer and refilling naturally during the wetter autumn and winter months.
The pond is lined with puddled clay: a traditional, environmentally friendly method in which clay is thoroughly compacted to remove air pockets and create a dense, durable, watertight seal. During prolonged warm and dry periods, clay can contract and cracks may form, which can lead to possible further water loss.
The impact of climate change
Many species that use temporary ponds can adapt to seasonal drying. Insects, amphibians and reptiles will seek shelter under tree roots, deadwood, rocks and scrub; whilst birds will migrate to other local water sources.
However, longer and more frequent dry periods can put additional pressure on wildlife, if ponds do not refill during the wetter months. If this is the case, wildlife will use nearby alternative habitats if available.
A specialist habitat
Seasonal (or ephemeral) ponds have important ecological value and contribute to local biodiversity. They provide:
- a specialist habitat for wildlife adapted to temporary wet and dry conditions, such as Moorhens and amphibians
- a safe breeding ground for native amphibians like Great Crested Newts, toads and frogs, due to the lack of fish
Management of Chain Pond
Supporting resilience and adaptation
We manage ponds and surrounding greenspaces in a way that supports natural resilience. This includes:
- monitoring water levels and wildlife
- retaining dense marginal vegetation for shelter
- avoiding unnecessary disturbance; and
- considering where pond restoration or new seasonal ponds could strengthen the local habitat network.
Recent examples of work undertaken include silt removal in February 2025 and selective control of some of the more intrusive vegetation. The Greenspaces strategy highlighted several new management plans that we are preparing, including one for ponds and other freshwater habitats.
What we don't do
Artificially topping up ponds with tap water is not a sustainable solution and can be harmful to plants and wildlife, due to the chlorine and other chemicals. Amphibians in particular are very vulnerable to chemicals within the water, which they absorb through their skin.
Digging a deeper pond is not possible as this would breach the delicate clay lining.
Safety note
Please do not walk on the dried-out pond lining. The surface may be uneven, slippery, soft or cracked, which could create a risk of slips, trips or becoming stuck.
Walking on the lining may also damage the clay seal and affect the pond’s ability to hold water when it refills.