Pond Development Notes

Clypse Estate, Onchan, Isle of Man

Pond Development

Additional notes for Planning Application – Point 8

Three ponds to be constructed in Field No: 534193

General Design

(a) The shorelines will be irregular in order to give them a natural appearance, encourage more aquatic and wetland plants to colonise and ducks to breed and nest.

(b) Excavation: This will start at the centre of the pond, working outwards. Top soil will be kept on site and used to cover pond edges. Subsoil will be used to make slightly raised areas in the field so trees requiring drier soil can be planted at a later stage. These will be covered with the excavated topsoil.

(c) The banks will be gently sloping to allow a wide range of aquatic plants to establish in the shallow water around pond edges, it is safer for children and allows easy access for a range of wildlife.

(d) There will be a progression of water depths. The shallow edges will be between 150mm and 600mm. The edges will slope away to deeper water at the centre of the ponds.

(e) Liners: These should not be required due to the high clay content of the soil.

(f) Water Supply: The ponds will fill up naturally due to the high water table and natural springs. Further water will be diverted from the ditch on the south side of the field. The water will then be directed back into the ditch further along. (Drawing Ref: 2)

(g) Water Control: Inlets will be open ditches and submerged pipes. Outlets will be constructed so that they can cope with maximum water flow.

(h) Islands will be created by digging out around them rather than reconstructing after if possible. The large ones will have south facing bays to create shelter.

(i) Vegetation will be planted as soon as practical after the pond construction. Wetland and aquatic species will be planted around the fringes of the ponds and trees/shrubs further back from the water’s edge.