Chain Pond

A full inspection of Chain Pond was undertaken on 30 July 2026 by the council’s Greenspaces team and an independent hydrological consultant (Aquamaintain Ltd).

The inspection included checking the roadside gullies, two inlets and one outlet, silt levels, and any infrastructure affecting the pond’s water supply, drainage or ability to retain water. It was determined that the condition of the clay liner cannot be assessed without extensive excavation works.

The following feedback was received from an independent hydrological consultant:

Unfortunately, it appears as though the current drought we're experiencing has resulted in the pond drying out.

I've checked the inlets and gullies entering the pond and there are no viable blockages preventing water entering the pond from any source, even if there was any rain to top it up.

As desperate as this may appear seasonal drying is a natural process and in fact in certain cases can be beneficial to wetland habitats as it allows certain flora and fauna to develop in these conditions causing an increase in biodiversity and a reduction in negative species and a trigger in natural lifecycles.

From a brief desktop study, chain pond was a historical drovers pond and existed for the purpose of wheel washing and refreshment for horses and carts.

It has never been cited as a fishpond and therefore no records exist for it sustaining a fish population. Occasionally fish do find their way into these types of pond but in general their presence is negative on this type of habitat and therefore seasonal drying can be viewed as beneficial for resetting these introduced populations.

As for other species such as amphibians, birds and insects they will inevitably find refuge elsewhere and are adapted to doing so don’t worry.

Please be advised against refilling the pond especially if using tap water as the chemicals can be harmful and cause chemical imbalances. Sensitive ephemeral species can also be killed off at they rely on the seasonal drying to thrive.