Neil Verlander took on the role as Pond Warden for Hanley Swan pond back in August 2009.
This great project has transformed this local and iconic duck pond and beauty spot.
‘Pond Warden makes me smile and although you won’t see me wearing a hard hat or fluorescent jacket, you will often see me wearing my trusted pair of waders!’
When I took on this role I had no idea what was expected of me so decided the best thing was meet with John Travener from the Hanley Swan Parish Council at the village pond and find out what had been going on and what the plans were. I quickly realised that John was the font of all knowledge! He had plenty to say about what he thought should happen next, but there was one small problem to the big ideas …. There was NO MONEY! – NO BUDGET! The Hanley Swan Parish Council didn’t have a penny to spare for the village pond. I didn’t see this as a problem, at least I knew what we’re working with!
To be fair some of the Hanley Swan villagers had worked really hard during 2008 planting Willow around the pond in an attempt to secure the bank and stop further erosion, as this was the big problem for this lovely pond. Unfortunately not all the willow established itself so the erosion was now an ongoing, urgent problem.
The next person I was introduced to was Wade Muggleton who had been advising the council regarding the bank erosion and his suggestion was to install gabions, which unfortunately cost money and lots of it. Through our conversations though he did offer access to the Worcester Council’s Community Payback scheme, which could give me FREE labour as part of their community service – Well that I jumped at and the pond project was born!
Neil Verlander
The Hanley Swan Pond Project Begins
After wading through piles of paperwork documenting years of Pond Warden activity, Neil sat down with Gigi to plan his next move.
The first thing to tackle was Coverfield Wood, that sits to the back of the village pond. It had been neglected for years and was completely overgrown and had sadly become a place for anyone who didn’t want to be seen drinking, smoking and getting up to no good!
A call for help and volunteers was posted in the next Hanley Swan Parish Link and on the 3rd October the village came out in force to help clear Coverfield wood. There was an air of excitement as people arrived with forks and spades, but they were surprised with what they saw!
Read on for the next instalment
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