We love: Pete the Pond

Posted:10 May 2014

Such a joy to have local expert Pete Birchall, aka Pete the Pond, impart his boundless knowledge and enthusiasm as he got down and dirty at The Garden House last Saturday.

Pete discussed the importance of wildlife ponds, introduced us to the myriad creatures that inhabit our ponds, and talked about pond plants – from the desirable to the invasive! – and their purpose in maintaining the eco-balance of a wildlife-friendly and attractive pond.

“Petes enthusiasm, knowledge and passion were infectious and inspiring. Nuggets of advice combined with brilliant anecdotes all made for fab morning. We left wanting more   and an urge to clear out our ponds!,” says participant Mark Price.

Pete became the official Pond Warden of his local area, Willingdon and Jevington in East Sussex, in 2000 when he joined the Pond Warden scheme that was set up by BTCV and Southern Water to help save Britain’s ponds.

To date he estimates that he has built and cared for over 60 ponds, and has surveyed, paddled and waded in many more! As well as pond building Pete also renovates ponds by de-silting and clearing them of unwanted weed and replanting with new home grown plants; cleaning and replanting the pond area to create the perfect pond environment.

So little surprise that he is affectionately known as ‘Pete the Pond’ we look forward to welcoming him again to The Garden House at some point!