Butt's Close Pond
Landfill Community Fund
Everything’s blooming at Butts Close in Hitchin now that CMS and North Herts District Council have given it a thorough makeover. The pond has been transformed from a characterless hole in the ground to a wildlife haven. Newly created shallow edges have been planted with attractive species such as Water Mint, Marsh Marigold and Purple Loosestrife. A floating hydroponic reed bed filter will remove nutrients to improve water quality.
Grass around the pond is now allowed to grow longer. It will be cut and collected annually in the same way as a traditional hay meadow although mowing continues along pathways. Two nearby willows have vigorous new growth following pollarding which will extend the life of the trees. A third willow- a large weeping variety- has had its crown reduced and reshaped to cut down on the shade it casts over the water and the number of leaves that fall. New native tree and shrub beds have been planted to provide cover and food for birds.
The work has been funded by NHDC and the Landfill Community Fund through Groundwork Hertfordshire.