Last Sunday the 7th Purley Scouts returned to Wattenden Pond to carry on with their construction of a butterfly garden. They have created a small pond to give local wildlife, including insects, a water source; something sorely lacking on the Commons.
Now that the pond has settled, the Scouts have carefully reduced the height of the sides, making them less steep. This will make it easier for creatures to get out of the water. Some oxygenating plants have been added too.
The many plants donated by members have been dug-in around the perimeter, and provided they survive the winter, should flourish in the spring.
Planting the larger shrubs involved cutting through the liners and matting which were installed during the original constructed. This has proven a very difficult task, especially for young hands.
A large area of invasive brambles has been cleared too. These areas will be kept clear until sowing of wild flower seeds can take place over the winter and into early spring.
To date, thirty-six scouts have worked a total of 280 scout-hours at the pond. A supreme effort, given the often inclement weather, making a tough job tougher. Congratulations to them. We look forward to seeing how the pond matures in the spring.