Kingston Council has announced a plan to restore Fishponds Park in Surbiton. The “hugely valued” park hosts a variety of species and includes woodland, a wetland system, meadow, and a community orchard.
It is also a park much loved by preschools and primary schools, especially for its fascinating history.
“The current restoration will bring the ponds back to health and enable them to support a much greater range of species,” said a member of Fishponds Park Community Group.
The purpose of the restoration is to improve biodiversity and accessibility at the pond.
Friends of Fishponds Park are excited for the upcoming work and are grateful for the investment in an environmental project which will protect this loved and well used park.
Elliot Newton, Kingston’s Biodiversity Officer explained that the restoration will bring back the ponds to their former glory after a circular system, which allowed water to flow around the park, degraded making the pond not functional.
“We commissioned an investigation to look into why the pond system was not working and this has informed the ongoing restoration work,” said Newton.
This would not have been possible without funding from the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy, according to the member of the Community Group.
Newton added that this will not only be a great place for people to relax but will also create a habitat for creatures including amphibians and dragonflies.
The restoration is highly appreciated by the community. A questionnaire to residents and group members run by the community-led Friends Group revealed the pond to be a top priority for the community.
The Friends of Fishponds Park are looking for volunteers who would like to take part in the project.
