As the Pageant Gardens water feature has now been open for a week, we have been gauging the reaction to it from the town. It has been lovely to hear the positive comments left on social media sites and to see people visiting the gardens and wandering around enjoying the tranquil space. We would, however, like to respond to the questions that have arisen as a result of the installation and address some of the concerns and negative comments.
Wildlife in Pageant Gardens
Prior to any works taking place Natural Waterscapes did several sweeps of the old pond and surrounding area, to check for invertebrates etc and there was no sign of any life. There have been newts and frogs in the pond in the past but the pump that used to power the waterfall was doing more harm than good to them and had to be switched off.
The regular flooding experienced during the last 3 winters caused the natural food source of fresh water shrimps etc for the newts to be washed away, hence the newts disappeared from the old pond. Now that the wildlife pond has been raised it is hoped to encourage a new generation of invertebrates.
With theses factors, along with damage to the old pond needing constant repair, it was felt improving the area as a whole for everyone to benefit from was the best way forward.
The ducks that use the gardens commute between it and the river. They have not shown any signs of being affected by the changes and have been seen several times since it opened going about their usual business.
Please be assured that the design has been thought through with biodiversity at its heart.
Young children playing
We encourage everyone, including young children to explore the new water feature areas. We hope that newts and frogs will use this new, safer space and children as well as adults will be able to enjoy seeing them. There is no reason for this not to happen.
All we ask is that in order to keep it looking it’s best and for your own safety, no one climbs on the soil and stones.
Planting
There is more work to be done planting up the areas that are currently bare and will include wildlife friendly plants. Some of the plants and trees that are already there need to settle in and with time they will.
Potential vandalism
This is an issue the Council is very aware of and will be keeping a close eye on. We know the majority of residents in Sherborne want to keep the area looking good but there will unfortunately always be those that choose not to, so we encourage you to report to the police any untoward behaviour.
If you have any further questions regarding the gardens please contact the Town Clerk, Steve Shield on 01935 812807.