Cleared before the flood

In late summer, the WoodChips carried out the first major clearance of overgrown water plants in the Lagoon. These were mainly Hornwort and Bulrush, which were invading the space of less-vigorous species. Hornwort is an oxygenating plant useful for wildlife, which also helps to check Duckweed. But you can have too much of a good thing, especially with pond plants. From just 50 tiny clumps scattered in the water in April 2019, our Hornwort had grown to a thick mass covering most of the Lagoon surface from top to bottom.

Reaching higher than the volunteers, the Bulrush did its best to match this achievement with a two-pronged attack, extending its fleshy roots rapidly underwater while scattering fluffy seeds in the wind.

There was good weather for the clearance, as the water had dropped to a safe level following the previous fine period. Unlike now, with the recent heavy rain covering the access path and substantially increasing the depth of the pool (pics below).

With this sort of growth rate, it looks like we'll be revisiting this task in future years. It's also good practice for similar work that's needed in Banstead Woods pond. And, thanks to help from the Downlands Trust, our volunteers now have suitable protective clothing (waterproof gloves and waders) for the task.
                                                                                                                 Graham Kenward

Graham H & Richard II tackling the Bulrushes.

Richard III raking out Hornwort.

Sept 2021 after reducing overgrown water plants

Oct 2021 after heavy rain

The no-longer-shallow end

Looking south from the drainpipes end

The dark 'tidemark' shows the maximum water level reached after the recent heavy rain. The plants outline the original bank beside the flooded path.