A NEW wildlife conservation pond in Yate was officially opened by Mayor of Yate, John Ford​ following a successful fundraising project.

The Friends of Brimsham Park hope the refurbished pond in Coopers Drive will be a haven for frogs, toads, great crested newts and other species.

As part of the refurbishment, two trees have been cut back to enable more sunlight to reach the pond. A large pond liner has been installed, complete with a dipping platform for children, as well as nesting boxes to attract birds.

New fencing has been put up and wildflowers and insect-loving plants have been added to enhance the biodiversity of the area, creating a haven for the whole community to be proud of.

Sam McDonald, from the Friends of Brimsham Park, said: “The pond has been designed with children in mind and we hope schools and local community groups will benefit greatly from it.

“We’re very grateful to Wessex Water, Yate Town Council and Tesco for their support.” 

The pond project received a Conservation Foundation Wessex Watermark Award, which has provided funding for more than 900 environmental projects within the Wessex Water area.

All projects are judged by a panel that is chaired by renowned botanist and TV broadcaster David Bellamy.

Funding was also secured from Tesco’s ‘Bags of Help’ scheme after the project won an in-store public vote.