Pond gets a new lease of life

A primary school’s pond has been transformed back to its former glory with the help of a Kentish wildlife conservation group. Smeeth Primary School pupils are able to enjoy the on-site pond for the first time in five years after a clean-up operation conducted by the Kent Stour Countryside Partnership. The derelict nature spot was reprofiled and lined by the volunteers, who also placed living plants from the remaining damp areas back in the water. The pond was home to large numbers of smooth newt, common frog and toad, which are hoped to return thanks to deeper pools and shallow outer areas bordered by freshly-sown, insect-attracting plants. Nationally, amphibian numbers are declining due to a loss of wetland habitat, development and busy road networks. Head teacher Jen Payne said: “A sincere thank you to KSCP from us at Smeeth. “We are so grateful and it has been such a pleasure exhibiting the pond to potential new families that I have been showing around.” The pond was funded by the school, with support from KCC’s Cllr Clair Bell.