News
Pond Restoration at Leighs Wood, Aldridge
Cash boost springs to aid of Park Pond
A spring-fed pond in a woodland which dates back to the 12th century will be restored to its former glory after the award of a £1,500 grant. The pool in Leighs Wood and Park, Aldridge, has been clogged with vegetation for decades.
It was regarded as dead but the grant will pay for the removal of the weeds. Once the pond is cleared, wildfowl could be attracted back to the woodlands for the first time in years. Walsall Council won the grant from the landfill tax credit scheme, which rewards the council for recycling.
Fred Hubbard, treasurer of the Friends of Leighs Wood and Park, said: "We are delighted the funds have become available to improve the pond. The work will be done during the winter and hopefully this will attract wildfowl back to the woodlands".
The 12-acre park, known for bluebells, was part of the Cannock royal hunting forest in the 12th century.
Difference
The pond project follows a £25,000 grant for a multi-sports surface to be laid in the park next to the woodland area. The grant came from the landfill tax scheme and the national lottery.
Speaking about the landfill tax credit scheme, Councillor Brian Douglas-Maul, Walsall Council's cabinet member for the environment, said: "The scheme is making a real difference to the environment of the borough. It has awarded funds to several large projects, but also small ones like the Leighs Wood and Park reclamation".