Campaigners delighted after wildlife-rich pond in Yaxley saved following U-turn

The council had previously upset campaigners after deciding infill in the James Orchard Pond in Middleton Recreation Ground and turn it into a wildflower meadow due to “health and safety concerns” which “outweighed the benefits for the community”.

RELATED: Campaigners bid to save wildlife-rich Yaxley pond

Reg Bingham, who proposed the original motion to deepen the pond, told the council at a meeting tonight (Tuesday) of the current state of the pond. He said that it had been “dry for three years” but that there was now a significant amount of pond life including frogs and new frog spawn.

The pond has been in its current position for more than 20 years and is said to home to more than 27 species of amphibians and insects.

The parish council faced a huge backlash on its original motion, with residents bringing in Extinction Rebellion for support.

The council now hopes that more volunteers will help with the management of the pond.

Chairman Cllr Rodney Butcher said he worried for “kids that could drown in the pond”, however, the council voted in favour of rescinding the motion.

Now, due to hatching frogspawn, the pond will be monitored until around August when the council will do a risk assessment and re-assess the pond’s future.

Vice chairman Cllr Mark Oliver said he believed councillors had made the right decision and now hopes there will be a “well-structured plan so that the pond can be maintained”.

Resident Paul Underwood said: “I’m happy with the council’s decision, especially that they will undergo a risk assessment. I hope we can make the pond more manageable and hopefully it attracts more wildlife.”