Ecologist Chris Englezou at the new pond
A NEW freshwater pond is expected to be finished next week with organisers hoping to attract new wildlife.
As well as the pond, the construction process at Caledonian Park has led to the creation of a “Loch Ness Monster” hill area for children, using excess soil from excavation.
The project has been co-funded by Islington Council, Caledonian Park Friends Group and the Freshwater Life Project, a charity that has created a series of new wildlife ponds across the UK.
Ecologist Chris Englezou, the founder of the Freshwater Life Project, said: “The water body is established for creatures to use as a resource for food, water, homes, and breeding grounds.
“Currently, we’re just allowing the maturation process to take place, so it looks a bit like a brown pool. We’ve put in probably around about 150 marginal plants, which are establishing beautifully, then we’ll introduce some aquatic plants.”
The Caledonian Park Friends Group has assisted a great deal in the creation of the pond, Mr Englezou said, and plan to plant wildflowers along the edge of the water.
Its chair Miriam Jashwell said: “We’ve seen at least three species of dragonflies, and some diving beetles as well, which is quite exciting.”
The pond is expected to attract mainly amphibians, but Mr Englezou said a variety of animals, such as bats, may come in the evenings to drink and capture insects. Reptiles, birds, and other insect life will thrive in the pond as well.
“There is a need for biodiversity, especially in city environments. But underpinning all of that are freshwater ecosystems,” Mr Englezou added.
Laura Suckley, a trustee of the charity, coordinated the pond’s creation and said the process of establishing the pond and growing the ecosystem can take up to a year but said the construction of Caledonian Park pond has come together quickly.
“This isn’t going to be a pond that people can go right up to and dip their fingers in, because it’s a space for wildlife as well,” Ms Suckley said.
A viewing platform and information board about wildlife and vegetation in the pond will be constructed this week and will be open to the public during operating hours of the park.
