Friends of Lowndes Park Chesham

Skottowes Pond

Description

Skottowes Pond is approximately 120 metres in length and 40 metres wide at its widest point, with an island roughly in the centre of the water, measuring 20 metres long by 5 metres wide. It is an extremely popular feature of the park, attracting many visitors. The Chesham & District Model Boats Club sail model boats on the pond most Sundays. Since 1994, The Tring Anglers have been responsible for the long term management of the fish stocks in Skottowes Pond, including re-stocking the pond.

Current condition

The pond is overly dominated with domestic geese that have been abandoned in the park. In a recent survey of the park, over 60% of respondents said that the wildfowl populations were too high. When asked what was the one thing they liked least about the park, responses included the geese, the ducks, geese excrement and being chased by the geese. In consultation with the Friends of Lowndes Park, park users referred to the fact that they didn't eat lunch near the pond as they were harassed by the geese and some parents didn't take their children there because of the proliferation of goose excrement. Reduced water levels due to silting have reduced the usage for sailing boats. The island has been eroded by overuse caused by the proliferation of mostly domestic fowl (a policy for managing wildfowl is to be devised and implemented).

There is little or no aquatic planting to encourage wildlife. The path around the pond is deteriorating and is in need of repair.

The footpath along the western side of the pond is narrow and this can make it difficult for people to pass other path users.

Future Plans

A policy for waterfowl management has been drafted and will be developed in consultation with the public.

The surrounding paths will be repaired and surfaced with bound gravel and the western path will be widened, subject to budget. The path edges will be repaired. An area of aquatic planting will be established and this will encourage greater biodiversity in the pond area. The island will be stabilised and replanted and more foliage cover will be established with new planting. The pond will be drained down and the silt removed. A model boat launching pad will also be installed together with flow makers and aerators to improve water movement and aeration of the pond.

News & Events

This website was made possible through the generosity of the Chiltern District Council. The Friends of Lowndes Park working in partnership with Chesham Town Council.