RESIDENTS who live by a near dried-up pond in Caversham have voiced their upset at a ‘lack of action’ to restore it.
Reading Borough Council has been contacted since around July about the conditions of Caversham Park Pond in Queensway, which dried up during a prolonged period of hot weather.
Villagers are appealing for help to support wildlife, as volunteers have come together several times to create a safer environment after broken branches, litter and overgrowth has made the area ‘unsightly’.
They are urging the council to do more by ‘stepping in’ to properly maintain the drying out pond by re-filling it and protecting local wildlife.
In August, the council said refilling the pond, which they own, would ‘not be appropriate’ because of the ongoing dry weather and hosepipe restrictions.
They visited the site in July to cut back tree branches, but residents claim they have not actioned anything since, despite persistent emails.
Suzanne Lovegrove, along with several dedicated volunteers, have carried out various works in the area, including the building of insect houses, the digging out of a storm drain and the removal of silt.
Suzanne, who has lived in the area for 28 years, is pleased to see some ducks return in the last week but said the population is nowhere near what it was.
Volunteers have spent about 250 hours working to maintain the pond.
She said: "We're trying to get as many people as we can this Sunday to come and help.
"We have now got 17 ducks back and they're using the paddling pools that we're putting out.
"But there is still nowhere near as much wildlife.
"I'm angry and upset because everybody loves that duck pond.
"My kids have grown up around it and residents' kids have grown up around it.
"When we've been up there digging it up, other people have come up there to feed the ducks with their kids and there have been no ducks for them to see during the summer."
Suzanne acknowledged that there is a hosepipe ban, but said if they don't receive more help, the wildlife will suffer.
She said: "It's not just the ducks and the frogs and the fish that would use the pond, we have owls, herons, loads of deer come over that drink from it. Where are they supposed to go?
"We've got two paddling pools and there are plant liners full of water as well so all the wildlife can get a drink [that we have put out].
"And all the soil we dug out, we recycle it for wildflowers.
"The council don't do anything in the way of maintaining it."
Dianne Sharpe, of Pendennis Avenue, has contacted various local councillors, but claims the council have done nothing to improve conditions there.
She said: “It’s not being maintained there. It’s not acceptable because it’s a lovely area.
"Most of the ducks have gone, which is really sad because it's such a nice area.
"There have been a big group of people that have been coming back and cutting the bushes and trees. They've been doing their best, but the [lack of response] from the council is unacceptable.
"It's a disgrace. Other residents said it looks awful and it’s really sad because there used to be ducks and swans.
"We had deer and Muntjacks, but we have none of that now."
Mike Sakyi, has lived in the area for eight years.
He is upset that his wife and children are unable to enjoy the area because now it has dried up.
He said: "It's such a peaceful place and we used to feed the ducks and my kids used to go around there.
"When there are many living organisms and wildlife, which we know has been there before, I wonder where they all have to migrate to, especially the ducks.
"We used to be able to just sit there and admire the nature.
"The things [volunteers] are doing should be done by the council."
Mike raised concerns about children's safety, as they walk near the area going to and from school.
He said: "My worry is that when there is water in there, children know to stay away from it, but when it's as dry as this, it looks a bit muddy and kids can want to explore and see the mud, but it can be deeper than they think it is."
Mike told The Chronicle that the last time he saw ducks there was before the summer.
Reading Borough Council did not respond to a request for comment by The Chronicle's deadline.
They said in an earlier statement in August: "We understand residents' concerns about the drying up of Caversham Park Pond following a prolonged period of hot and dry weather.
"Natural ponds are dynamic habitats that fluctuate throughout the year and water levels are influenced by rainfall, groundwater levels and seasonal weather conditions.
"Officers consulted with Thames Water and visited the site to check whether any fish remained in the pond. None were found.
"Introducing fresh water into a natural pond can also affect its natural temperature, chemistry and nutrient levels, which may have an adverse impact on wildlife. There is also the possibility that, even if the pond were refilled, water levels would simply drop again should the dry weather continue.
"While the pond is largely dry, the council has taken the opportunity to carry out maintenance and tidying works in the area."
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