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Go and make use of Miller’s Pond! It’s great!

Miller’s Pond is a large public open space in an otherwise densely populated urban area situated on the site of a former brickworks in Sholing, Southampton.

The site has become a popular recreational area for local people; footpaths through the site are popular with walkers and birdwatchers, whilst the pond attracts anglers, children feeding ducks and those who just like to relax and enjoy the natural world.

In recent years the pond has been largely neglected; rubbish, fallen trees and deadwood was strewn across many parts of the pond and the habitat necessary for wildlife was in decline.  On several occasions poor water quality had necessitated action by fishery officers to rescue fish and install oxygenation equipment.

We funded the project at a cost of approximately £30000 using rod licence money to restore and enhance the site, to halt the deterioration and to create a balanced and sustainable ecosystem that would benefit all forms of wildlife that live in and around the pond.  Work was managed and carried out by local specialists Wessex Land and Water.

After only a few weeks since this new habitat was created it has already been colonised by many aquatic species, for instance Water boatman, an upside-down long legged swimming insect which looks like a rowing boat can be seen paddling amongst the new plants.

Many of the pond’s visitors have commented on the work and the improved look of the pond and many people turned out to take part in the Springwatch ‘dirty weekend’ event held at the pond recently.  With the continued help of local volunteers based and the Sholing Valley Study Centre Miller’s Pond is now set to be a great place to visit.

Further information

Sholing Valleys