Campaigners bid to save wildlife-rich Yaxley pond

The James Orchard Pond, which is located at Middleton Road Recreation Ground, has been there for more than 20 years. Home to more than 27 species of amphibians and insects, the freshwater pond is brimming with life.

At a Yaxley Parish Council meeting on February 11 consideration was given to a letter from the Yaxley Countryside Volunteers who want to deepen the pond. The council decided that “health and safety concerns outweighed the benefits for the community”. It was then proposed by councillors that the pond would be filled in and turned into a wildflower meadow.

Finding support from local groups such as Extinction Rebellion Peterborough, the Fenland Trust and Social Echo Yaxley Partnership, the campaign has received a boost in saving the pond.

Arguing the pond should be saved, the campaigners drew on a similar pond in Ferry Meadows Country Park in Peterborough which is encouraged and happens to be adjacent to a children’s play area.

A spokesperson from the Yaxley Countryside Volunteers said: “Attention must be drawn to comments of health and safety. We disputed these options as the parish council constructed a pond in Pound Lane. In addition to this is another large deep pond with a planted area adjacent to a children’s play area.

“It gives inference that it is easier to just say fill it in. We believe there is no consideration for amphibian life.”

A spokesperson from Yaxley Parish Council said: “The parish council are encouraged to see the level of interest expressed by the Yaxley community in maintaining/renovating the pond and are in talks with the Yaxley Countryside Volunteers.

“A meeting will be held at Queens Park Hall at 6.30pm on March 10 with a view of getting people together to help with restoring the pond and to help with its long term maintenance.”