A wildlife pond in Banbury has just been refurbished, thanks to a weeks-long project carried out by volunteers from Wild Banbury, supported by Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust, 4th Corner Landscapes Ltd and Banbury Town Council, with funding provided by Cherwell District Council.
Along with the pond, construction is coming along on an impressive natural woven wood fence designed to support local wildlife. This part of the project was carried out using sustainably sourced wood from the park’s large willow tree, which sits on the bank of the River Cherwell.
This project was possible due to a grant received by Cherwell District Council from UKSPS funding.
The willow tree recently underwent extensive pollarding, a form of tree management that involves cutting back the branches of the tree to encourage healthy regrowth. Willow trees are incredibly resilient and known for their ability to regenerate quickly after being cut back. Pollarding has been used for centuries across the UK to keep willow trees healthy and manageable. The tree has already started to produce fresh shoots, and will continue to thrive not in spite of, but because of such treatment.
The project not only revitalises an important habitat for local wildlife but also demonstrates how careful environmental management can significantly improve green spaces for people and nature alike.
The pond is designed to fill and drain with the changes in weather, collecting rainfall and providing a home for wildlife without the need for refilling or feeding from the nearby River Cherwell.
Just some of the species likely to benefit from the pond include frogs, toads, newts, dragonflies and pond skaters, along with a whole host of other aquatic insects. Birds, hedgehogs and other species will also benefit from the additional water source.
Also planted were 10 new species of waterside plants, with a diverse meadow flower seed mix spread across the area. All of these floral additions will help to encourage a range of insects and further encourage Banbury’s diverse ecosystems to thrive.
The wooden fence, meanwhile – created in a natural style based on centuries-old traditional techniques – offers both practical and ecological benefits. The structure creates shelter for insects, beetles, spiders and small mammals while helping define and protect sensitive pond-edge habitat from disturbance.
Natural fencing and deadwood habitats are increasingly recognised as valuable biodiversity features in urban parks, providing nesting materials and food sources for countless species, particularly birds, with the dozens of species that call Spiceball Park home likely to benefit.
Leader of Banbury Town Council, Cllr Shaida Hussain, said, “This project demonstrates the indisputable importance of partnership working between the Local Authorities, specialist contractors supported by community-led conservation efforts, and the profound effect they can have on both environment and community. Nature-rich spaces like this are incredibly important for local people as well as wildlife.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who made this project possible, from Cherwell providing the funding to 4th Corner Landscapes Ltd and the Wild Banbury volunteers who spent so much time and many Friday mornings working on this terrific addition to Banbury’s wild spaces. We would also like to thank Cherwell District Council, who enabled this project with a grant from UKSPS; without either party, this project wouldn’t have happened, and we’re very grateful to them for helping Banbury’s wild spaces to thrive.”
Julian and Amanda Ransom, speaking on behalf of the 4th Corner Landscaping team, said, “4th Corner is delighted to have supported Banbury Town Council with the Spiceball Park pond restoration project as part of our ongoing commitment to biodiversity and social value across the town. This was a challenging but rewarding project, and we are proud that our team were able to contribute machinery, labour, and practical expertise to help restore an important wildlife habitat for the local community. As a Banbury-based family business, we take great pride in supporting projects that improve local green spaces and encourage biodiversity for the benefit of residents, visitors, and future generations.”
Residents visiting the area are encouraged to enjoy the space respectfully and help protect the wildlife that now calls the pond home. Banbury Town Council encourages all Banbury residents to consult the council website at www.banbury.gov.uk or email at info@banbury.gov.uk for the latest news and information – including mayoral and councillor updates.
Finally, anyone wishing to call Banbury Town Council can do so on 01295 250340.