Pond restoration project aims to revitalise biodiversity at Park Farm

A major pond restoration project has recently been completed at Park Farm, Marston, an area rich in biodiversity and home to the nationally important New Marston Meadows Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The Oxford Green Estate (OGE) team have been directly managing the site since November 2022, working to enhance its ecological value.

As part of these efforts, they recently restored a pond on the farm with guidance from the Freshwater Habitats Trust and funding from the University’s Sustainability team. Over time, the pond had become clogged up with the remains of decades of fallen leaves, while encroaching trees had begun to shade out vital aquatic vegetation. The team dredged the pond to restore its original depth and either removed or pollarded the surrounding trees so more sunlight could reach the water.

Ponds play a crucial ecological role, supporting groups including amphibians, insects, and wetland plants. By restoring the pond’s natural structure and letting more light reach it, the OGE team aim to create a healthier habitat for species that rely on this freshwater ecosystem. The project aligns with wider conservation efforts across the site, ensuring that Park Farm continues to be a sanctuary for local wildlife.

Ongoing monitoring will assess the impact of these improvements, with hopes that the pond will soon flourish with vibrant biodiversity once more.

For more updates on this project and other conservation efforts, please follow Wytham Woods on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.