ARCHIVED news story
Junior fire fighters join battle of Britain's disappearing ponds
Released on 01 December 2006
More and more ponds across the UK are disappearing, and taking valuable wildlife with them. Work like this is vital to our countryside
Steve Hammond, Countryside Ranger
Tomorrow morning (2 December), a group of enthusiastic fire cadets aged between 13 and 17 will be at a primary school to begin work on a £500 pond restoration.
The cadets - both boys and girls - arrive at Barford Primary School from 10am to 12noon in the former fire engine they have been loaned to help with training.
Under the watchful eye of part-time fire fighter and South Norfolk Council officer Kelly Lunness, they will use a spray hose to pump water out of the pond.
Kelly said:
“Our cadets will be in their own fire-fighting uniform, complete with yellow helmets. They are combining their training with this brilliant community project to restore a pond for the children of Barford Primary.
"If there are any youngsters at the school, in the village or surrounding area who want to come along and watch them in action, they are more than welcome."
The pond restoration project is being led by South Norfolk Council's Countryside team, and is part of the vital environmental education campaign which has led to strong links between the team and many South Norfolk schools.
This project began on 20 November and should be complete by the end of the year thanks to funding from the Friends of Barford School, and a £250 grant.
Council Countryside Ranger Steve Hammond said:
"The idea of restoring the pond came from the pupils. It was an overgrown and uncared for feature in the school’s wildlife garden.
"When we have finished, the fenced and hedged pond will be used for nature studies in the school. We will also convert the summer house into a hide where the children can watch the pond wildlife without disturbing them.
"I want to thank the pupils and especially the Friends of Barford School for their support."
The Council has helped set up an after-school Junior Rangers Club - and there are already 21 members. This is the 12th club of its kind in the district.
The project is also a small step forward for pond preservation.
Steve Hammond added:
"More and more ponds across the UK are disappearing, and taking valuable wildlife with them. Work like this is vital to our countryside.
"While we can be proud to say that Norfolk has the highest concentration of natural ponds anywhere in England, even created ponds like this should be cherished for the wildlife they encourage and the education they provide for our youngsters."
Other parts of the project will be finished by next spring, including raised flowerbeds, bird tables and a wildflower area.
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