Pond leaves gardeners with a sinking feeling

The gardens of an historic Ashford house have been flooded with water from a leaking pond.

The lily pond of Godinton House and Gardens is over 100 years old and emptied over a few days due to an untreated crack.

Staff first noticed a drop in water levels six weeks ago but after it dropped to a matter of six inches, the pond’s fish were hurriedly transferred to a temporary holding pond.

The silt and soil at the base of the pond was then cleared away to assess the damage.

After being inspected, estate manager Nick Sandford says the price of repairs could be anything between £15,000 to £60,000.

The leak was the result of Godinton House estate manager Nick Sandford a small crack occurring as a result of age and having water run through it which tore it open.

Mr Sandford said: “We were shaken to see how fast the pond emptied but were glad that action by staff saved the fish and lillies.

“It is going to be a major repair but as little has been done since the pond was built in 1900, it has done well.”

A pipe running into the pond from a spring will slowly begin the refilling process.

Meanwhile the gardens of the house in Godinton Lane remain open daily from 1pm.

House tours are also available Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from 1.30pm with the last tour at 4pm.

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‘We were glad that action by staff saved the fish and lillies’

The pond’s fish were hurriedly transferred elsewhere after water levels dropped

Staff work to repair the crack which caused the leak and begin the process of refilling the pond