Restored Ponds

Along Risedale Beck there are two ponds that are created by diverting water from the Beck. In both cases the water gathers behind a dam and enters the pond through a pipe. The water is later returned to the Beck through a different pipe. The pools were created over twenty five years ago and due to vegetation succession they had become almost completely filled in. In addition, the old pipes had moved over time and water was no longer flowing into them. Recently, they have both been dug out and re-profiled by the Coxon Brothers. 

Now refilled with water, they will soon become beautiful features and important habitats once again.

The muddy banks will soon green up and in the summer, with a bit of regular maintenance, they will stay full even in the driest conditions.

Most of the trees that were cut back around the edges were Alder or Hazel and these will grow new shoots and continue to grow in the future. Alder is known as the swamp-dweller or water-lover; the wood of this tough tree doesn’t rot when waterlogged, instead turning stronger and harder.

Alder is the food plant for the caterpillars of several moths including the Alder Kitten, Pebble Hook-tip, and the Autumnal. The catkins also provide an early source of nectar and pollen for bees, and the seeds are eaten by the Siskin, Redpoll and Goldfinch. These interesting trees are found the whole length of Risedale Beck explaining why the latter three species are observed daily at the reserve.