Exel Computer Systems Pond Creation Project
In early 2020 we were invited to create a Wildlife Pond in the grounds of Exel Computer Systems plc in Long Eaton, and we were happy to oblige. Exel supplied the materials and plants (and hospitality - thank you Louise!) and we provided the expertise and manpower.
18th February 2020
The first dig. It had been raining for days previously. The field was waterlogged and we had to set up a plank bridge to get to the dig site without being submerged. Down the road in Sawley the River Trent had burst it's banks and water was flooding across the road. People we keeping a nervous eye on the flood defense wall a few hundred yards away. For a while we thought the pond was going to be much bigger than we were planning!
High-precision plan of the project
Digging around the marked outline. Notice the waterlogging in the field!
Phil and Andrew labouring
No doubt who the boss of this job is!
27th May 2020
More extreme weather followed and the national lock down had prevented us returning sooner, but this time it couldn't have been more different. There was bright sunshine and the conditions were ideal. We were able to finish the digging, install the underlay and the liner and even fill with water!
Digging complete
The underlay helps to protect the liner from being punctured by sharp stones
The weight of the water will flatten out any creases in the liner
The slope and boulders should ensure that anything that goes into the water should be able to walk out, no matter how big or small
Filling up using a small hosepipe from a single tap 200 yards away took hours!
Have a break Nigel
That'll do for today. Good job!