The historic village pond in Childrey, Oxfordshire, has been brought back to life thanks to work commissioned by Childrey Parish Council and carried out by Noll Countryside Services. The project was made possible by a grant from the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment.
A much valued feature at the heart of the village, the pond had become overgrown and dry, with thick vegetation spreading across both the banks and the middle of the basin. Noll Countryside Services, a local firm specialising in conservation work, carefully cleared the vegetation by hand and machine, taking particular care not to damage the clay lining that helps the pond retain water. Once cleared, the base of the pond was smoothed and the clay compacted to ensure a more effective and long-lasting seal.
All removed vegetation was taken away for composting in partnership with a local farmer, making the restoration both practical and sustainable. The recent rainfall has already begun to refill the pond, which has no stream or river flowing into it.
The entire project was completed in just one day. With water now returning, the pond is expected to provide a valuable habitat for wildlife and a natural focal point for the village once more. Noll Countryside Services, founded in 2014, continues to support rural communities across Berkshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire through practical land and habitat management.
See also the village bulletin HERE
