THE planting of a new reedbed is to begin on Wednesday, June 19, at the wild pond in Birklands Meadow, to help prevent further build up of pollution.

The reeds were planted at the pond's inlet, which is prone to oil and diesel pollution from a stream that feeds it.

The work will be carried out by volunteers from the St Albans Community Forest Association (SACFA) in conjunction with the Countryside Management Service.

The pond is a haven for wildlife but is covered in silt on a regular basis due to pollution.

It is hoped that once the reed bed is established it will help catch the pollution coming downstream before it gets to the pond.

Several other measures are planned for later in the year, such as the removal of branches which currently overhang the pond. This should not only improve the lighting, but also reduce the amount of leaves falling into the pond.

A product which cuts down the amount of bacteria in the pond was also added last week, and according to the Countryside Management Service, by this time next year the pond should be much cleaner.

The pond is in an open meadow area off London Road near to the London Colney roundabout in St Albans, which has already benefitted from the work of willing volunteers.

An old orchard in the meadow was restored, and a new community meadow planted alongside it.

A path has also been built and hedging planted in order to encourage new wildlife species to the area.

For more information about the work going on in Birklands Meadow and the SACFA and the Countryside Management Service call 01727 848 168.

June 18, 2002 12:30