This large, historic pond is 400 years old and a key feature of the wonderful Beckenham Place Park in south London. However, nowadays it is unfortunately silted up, overgrown and fenced off. No one can use it and it has limited ecological value. I would like to change this: bringing it back to life for waterbirds, amphibians, fish and invertebrates; making it a community resource for learning about the environment and enjoying nature; and restoring its rightful ecological role within the Park landscape. Work needed includes de-silting, removing some surrounding vegetation so sunlight can filter in, and carrying out waterside planting to create wildlife habitats. We also want to build viewing jetties where children and community groups can go pond-dipping and learn about pond ecology. The pond has been professionally surveyed and the total project cost estimated at c. £40-50,000. The main cost is the de-silting, which is a big job as the pond is about 25m x 25m, and very deep.

What we'll deliver:

• de-silt the pond so plant life and animals can thrive
• clear some surrounding vegetation so sunlight can reach the water
• improve the pond edges with wildlife-friendly planting
• build 2-3 jetties for pond-dipping
• re-fence or re-landscape the area immediately around the pond
• purchase equipment for schools and forest schools to use (nets, wellies, waterproof clothes)
• support the local council in coordinating local volunteers to maintain the pond and its immediate surroundings

Why it's a great idea:

Beckenham Place Park, which for decades has been underused, is currently in the middle of a large regeneration project. However, despite the major works going on there is not enough money to renovate its only substantial pond - Stumps Hill Pond - even though this is a major feature of the Park. Yet the pond can and should be a vital part of the Park's ecology, so we need to restore it to its former glory. Older park staff tell me that in the 1980s there would be literally thousands of frogs jumping all over the surrounding grass and paths in season - but now I have not seen a single frog. Wouldn't it be great if we could get those frog numbers back again, and all the other wildlife that would come alongside them? Nature is everywhere under threat: let's use this opportunity to bring back a priceless environemntal resource.

Steps to get it done:

• finalise de-silting/vegetation pruning/coir revetment quote and let contract
• organise de-silting/vegetation pruning/coir revetment works
• finalise contract for designing/building jetties and suitable low fencing
• let contract and oversee building of jetties and fencing
• research optimum planting to improve waterside habitats
• organise waterside habitat planting (possibly by, or partly by, volunteers)
• purchase pond dipping equipment and source storage facilities from LB Lewisham
• organise volunteer rota/system for regular maintenance of the pond
• publicise pond renewal and pond-dipping facilities to local schools, community groups etc