WORK is underway at Withybush Woods near Haverfordwest to clear its two ponds.
The work is part of a major enhancement project run by Pembrokeshire County Council, which also owns the woodland.
The project aims to improve and protect the woodland and biodiversity, which was part of the Victorian garden of Withybush House, demolished in the 1960s.
Phase one is being completed – the removal of silt and mud from the lower pond.
Phase two – the de-silting of the main upper pond to enable it to return it to its former size – will begin in June.
Cllr Cris Tomos explained that the silt would be drained into the lower pond temporarily.
“The silt and mud in the lower pond has been removed to allow the silt from upper pond to drain into it,” said Cllr Tomos, Cabinet Member for the Environment.
“Once dry, most of the silt will be taken away for use in land restoration while some will be re-used on site in landscaping the ponds.”
Once the ponds are both drained, work will start on the installation of a new, more accessible footpath around the lower pond including a bridge and boardwalk.
Other enhancement features will include the community planting of hundreds of wildflower bulbs, trees and the introduction of features from the historical water garden.
A haven for local wildlife including the resident ducks and swans will be created in part of the lower pond while the enhancement works are taking place.
The enhancement work has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government. It has also received funding through the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme, through the WCVA.
Because of the sensitive nature of this enhancement, work is proceeding with minimal disturbance and impact to the biodiversity of the site, and because of this the project is expected to be completed by Spring 2020.
