Uppermill action group making their mark despite ongoing restrictions

The new pond on land alongside the canal in Uppermill

The Uppermill Community Action Network (UCAN) has completed the creation of a pond on land alongside the canal in Uppermill.

Excavating the selected area started in late January, 2020, but the full team effort had to stop soon after because of lockdown.

However, with socially distanced daily exercise still permitted for two people it was decided that by working in pairs, the pond would be completed.

Once the pond was ready for water, one volunteer filled buckets and another one carried them to the pond.

After 30 or so trips there was enough water in the pond to prevent the lining from blowing away.

It is hoped that rainwater will now finish the job.

A UCAN spokesperson said: "With only the two UCAN team members being able to work on the pond it has obviously taken quite some time to reach this stage, but we managed it.

"It was hard work but also fun, hugely rewarding and it really is quite wonderful to see.

"We are now looking forward to putting in some well-chosen water loving plants at various levels and margins of the pond along with stones and logs around the edges to create a host and habitat for a huge variety of wildlife, including frogs, toads and newts, various flies and birds which will pick off insects from above the water surface."

Meanwhile, several UCAN volunteers have also been out and about on a fairly regular basis – again just in socially distanced pairs – clearing litter from along the canal side, helping to keep the village litter-free and protecting the habitats of the wildlife.

UCAN is always pleased to welcome new members.

For anyone interested, please contact Peter Killan for more information on 01457 878361 or email hime at:  peterkillan@hotmail.com

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