New Pool Fencing on the Clent Hills



The area prior to fencing.



As part of a scheme to give aquatic and marginal vegetation a chance to grow over the next few years, a block of temporary fencing has been erected at New Pool.

We're aware that the pool is popular with both dogs and horses, but it also has some biological interest. During the installation of the fence, we undertook some sampling for aquatic animals; so we can monitor how vegetation recovery benefits the overall diversity of the habitat. 

Slingpool Spring.

Marsh Marigold - a large Buttercup, of sorts.

Prior to the recent rain and winds at the end of April, it was possible to walk out onto the "reedbed" that is Slingpool Dam, and still have dry feet in even the most inappropriate footwear – i.e. canvas trainers. Things are a little wetter at the moment, and a healthy squish emanates from underfoot in certain places.

The Wild Garlic, or Ramsons Allium ursinum, can be spotted beneath the Common Alder Alnus glutinosa upstream, and the Marsh Marigold, also known as Kingcup Caltha palustris has popped up in few places among the young Common Reed Phragmites australis, and the Himalayan Balsam Impatiens glandulifera.

Skunk Cabbage at Slingpool, among young Common
Reed, Nettles, and young Himalayan Balsam

The domination of this final species has already been covered elsewhere in this blog, but a recently discovered invader to Slingpool is the Western Skunk Cabbage Lysichiton americanus from North America. With less than six individuals found at the site, digging them up now should prevent us having problems in the future.