Work starts on improving town’s moat
WORK has begun on the refurbishment of the historic Argents Mead moat.
The work follows the completion of several archaeological surveys, as well as the gaining of scheduled monument consent from Historic England.
The consent needed to be gained before the refurbishment could begin because the moat is an area of historical significance.
The work is planned to take approximately 12 weeks and will include:
Reducing the tree canopy cover to better reflect the original layout of the moat. Tree works will include the removal of diseased, weak, and overcrowded trees, and some crown reductions to which will reduce leaf litter that falls in the moat every year
De-silting the moat to restore the water depth to help it from drying out
Installing bank stabilising material to stop the banks from eroding and undercutting
Introducing new plants to improve biodiversity and strengthen the banks
Re-establishing the fountain and floating islands
Repairs to the overflow system. Work will only take place during the day minimising any noise and disruption to the park and residents.
A small part of Church Walk car park will be used for access to the moat and a compound area will be set up on the edge of the car park requiring a few parking spaces to be taken out of use to allow safe access. However, most of the car park will remain in use to the public for the duration of the work.
The work is being undertaken to protect wildlife with any tree work being completed before the nesting season.
Any fish in the moat will be safely removed and again work completed in the early part of the year before amphibians use the water.