The association cultivates the land just on the Derbyshire side of the county boundary with Nottinghamshire. We decided to use an irregular corner beyond the plots as the site of a pond as part of our developing wildlife area. A rough plan was marked out, then we were faced with the task of raising finance. A car-boot stall was organised and letters written to local businesses and grant-giving foundations. Some bodies were unable to support us, as we rent our land from Erewash Borough Council rather than owning it outright. However, amongst others, the Council itself, Derbyshire Greenwatch and, very generously, Bardill's Garden Centre, all made contributions.

In mid-December 2005 we were able to start work. Within eight hectic and exciting days, a ten by seven metre pond was dug by a council contractor, six tons of sand were moved in by a twelve-person wheelbarrow convoy, a butyl liner was carefully dropped in and water was pumped up from a nearby brook.

We hope that by next summer enough amphibians will have become established in the pond to begin to make an impact on the slug population. It is intended that groups of children from local schools will be able to study pond life, and also be encouraged to take an interest in growing and eating fresh vegetables. Now we just have to keep up the momentum and raise money to put in paths and benches, plant the area, provide bird boxes and landscape the soil banks.

Maureen Cope, Secretary

First published: ARI Newsletter Summer 2006