Cash splash

Funding helps clean-up project at Blackford Pond

Improvements

Blackford Pond is a popular place for many to visit, from local residents to wetland birds.

Now visitors will be able to enjoy a range of improvements and repairs carried out early this year.

The Friends of the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill, with the support of the Council’s Countryside Ranger Service, have fixed areas of erosion along the pond, as well as improving the habitat for wild birds and other pond life.

The organisation received grant funds from both Scottish Natural Heritage and the South Central Neighbourhood Partnership.

Those funds went towards hiring Water Gems to build a barrier around the pond edges, and they were also able to produce three new signs for the pond.

Jo Doake, of the Friends group, said: “In the midst of the frost and snow, Water Gems edged the pond with elm poles and iris plants which should stabilise it.

“We also have funding to raise the island again, which should encourage birds to nest on it.”

Countryside ranger Stacey Schumacher said: “The project was a good example of how the Countryside Ranger Service works together with local community groups to improve and protect the city’s parks.”

Rob Elton, also from the Friends group, said: “We’re very pleased >with the work that’s been done and optimistic it will look good in the long term.”