Ornamental pond gets a makeover! | Latest news

 

The Ornamental Pond in Hotham Park has been given a new lease of life – thanks to Arun District Council’s Parks Team and volunteers.

The refurbishment includes extending the waterfall and creating a much deeper fish pond, as well as introducing new plants including exotic fan palms and colourful perennials.

Arun District Council funded the refurbishment, along with a generous £4,000 contribution from the Hotham Park Heritage Trust. The Hotham Park Conservation Volunteers helped to plant many of the gravel garden and rockery plants and bulbs.

The design was inspired by Beth Chatto’s famous Gravel Garden and reflects the ethos of William Fletcher who curated the original gardens in Hotham Park at the turn of the 19th Century and collected a number of plants that were otherwise unknown in the area.

All of the plants will be carefully maintained by John Cooper the park’s gardener and seasonal help, Charlie Whitlock.

Councillor Terence Chapman, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “The pond was leaking and desperately in need of refurbishment so we’re delighted to see the end results. Thanks to the Parks Team, the Trust and our wonderful volunteers, the pond looks better than ever and will be a real draw for all visitors to this beautiful park.”

The public is asked not to throw bread to the moorhen and ducks which have taken up residence in the pond as this will quickly grow the algae and blanket weed which will smother the pond and may kill the fish. The bread is also bad for wildfowl and attracts rodents. 

Visitors to the Bognor Regis park can look out for monthly bird-life reports on the Park’s noticeboards written by resident ornithologist Andy Court.

To find out more about the Hotham Park Heritage Trust or if you wish to join the Hotham Park Conservation Volunteers, ring Helen Wilson, Assistant Parks Manager, on 01903 737956.