Summer
Posted on 29th June 2021

Pond after one year
After a few false starts it appears that summer is finally here with many days in June over 20°C. A few nests have already fledged with Pied Wagtails appearing to have had a very successful season.
The Oyster Catchers still visit the pond daily but I think they are attracted by the large numbers of Daphnia in the shallows. It is surprising how much pond life has

Common Blue Damsel
arrived within 12 months of construction - in addition to Daphnia there are Water Boatmen, Whiligig Beetles, Pond Skaters and Damselflies.

Pond Skater

The water temperature is currently 18.8°C at about 300mm depth which is surprising as the soil temperature at the same depth is 13.5°C. A couple of water lily rhizomes were planted at the beginning of June and already there are leaves on the surface and even one flower bud. Some Bulrushes (Typha angustifolia), Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus),Weeping Sedge (Carex pendula), Water Fringe (Nymphoides peltata) and a Chilean Rhubarb(Gunnera manicata) have been planted and along with the 'pond edge' seed mix should provide colour in years to come.

Flowers in the pond edge mix

Some of the sown wild flowers
Almost all of the trees planted in winter have flourished but a couple of Willow have died - normally willows are the toughest. Unfortunately the local deer have discovered how tasty trees are as they emerge from the shelters, so many are a bit stunted.