News & Events

Brief

Thames Water Gavray balancing pond is a public open space that sits on a residential estate in Bicester, works were required to open the pathways to help deter unsociable behaviour and to give a more open and pleasant walking route for the benefit of local resident’s health and wellbeing while respecting the operational, habitational and environmental benefits the balancing pond offers.

Upon hearing that similar works in the area had been denied funding in the past, UK Landscapes were happy to provide the required work free of charge as part of our Giving Green Back scheme.

Scope of Works

Reclaiming the pathway navigating around the pond, Cutting back hedge-lines and lifting canopies and Installation of 12no Bird nesting boxes

Environmental Considerations

Prior to work commencing, all areas were subject to nesting inspections of hedges, trees and the waterline to identify any areas with evidence of nesting birds, waterfowl, newts and water vole habitations, although none were found we proceeded throughout the day with a precautionary working method. Waste has been stacked in the woodland to create insect and small mammal habitations.

The Team

After meeting early morning with the TW Field Operations Specialist for the Thames Valley to obtain the required paperwork to proceed, team Leaders Will Smith and Stuart Sibcy, along with operative Connor Cox undertook the works which took a full day to complete, throughout the day they were approached by local residents, joggers and dog walkers who were excited to hear of the regeneration work and impressed with the work done so far.

The Result

Following the works the area looked much improved, giving a lighter and airier feel to the pond’s surroundings. Swims around the pond had been opened giving a place to stop and observe the wildlife, take a breath and simply enjoy the pleasant vista across the pond. The pathway, being recovered to over 60% in places, now allows for easier, safer passing for pedestrians and cyclists.