In the 2025 summer drought the level of the pond dropped significantly, and the hornwort, normally an oxygenator, decayed and absorbed oxygen. Consequently, the aquatic wildlife suffered and most of our small fish died.
Over the autumn and winter the willows and alder surrounding the pond have been cut back to let in more light and reduce the amount of detritus that might fall into the water over the year. Much of the overgrown reeds and hornwort have also been removed.
As the only source of water for the pond is the rain, the nitrate and phosphate levels should be low. Today’s test* results show a nitrate level of less than 0.2 ppm (mg/L) and a phosphate level of 0.05 ppm (mg/L). These both reflect low nutrient concentrations and hence a good ecological status; high levels would lead to eutrophication, ie algal blooms.
All being well, with the work carried out over the last few months, the water quality will continue to improve. The emergence of frog tadpoles from the spawn near the stage over the last few days is an excellent sign.
* FreshWaterWatch test kit kindly supplied by Stroud Valleys Project.
Wonderful to see the progress :)
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if it's possible to suggest a poem of my own?
Yes please, all suggestions very welcome.
DeleteWhere should I post the full poem?
DeleteClick on my name in the footnote for an email link.
DeleteI'm unfortunately unable to access the email link as it mentions that it's kept private. Something you have to enable in settings? Sorry for the late response
ReplyDeleteArti, thanks for persevering. Can’t fathom why the email link is not working. Will try to sort out a contact page instead. Meanwhile, please send your suggestion to me: cherish.pw@gmail.com . I will delete this comment thread once I have sorted out the contact page.
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