Grant of £4,155 awarded in 2020. Total cost of project £9,084
The project delivery went like clockwork and there were no significant differences to the project plan. However, the whole project was delayed because, prior to the commencement of this final phase, it was learnt that pumping out the pond to assist the digger could only be done after downstream pipes that form the drainage had been restored. This was achieved in a separately funded initial phase of the project.
In just four days in autumn 2021, two large mechanical diggers, three 6 tonne dumpers and four men attended and removed substantially all the accumulated vegetation and silt. This was aided by pumping out of the water and careful traffic management. The fish were also removed. The work was managed by members of the Kirtlington Wildlife and Conservation Society and a local resident with a high level of expertise in highways. (Maintenance of the pond annually, involves up to around 30 volunteers.)
The Kirtlington Wildlife and Conservation Society, said “The difference the funding made to the project was not only allowing it to happen at all but, in our case due to the delay we encountered, TOE’s positive and understanding attitude to the project was invaluable while we took a long time to resolve downstream issues before the works could proceed.”