With the current warm and dry weather, the oxygen levels in the pond have become low, leading to reports of dead fish.

This is to be expected from time to time, but a severe occurrence as in 1976 could lead to a very significant loss of fish stock and resulting health hazard as they rot away.

The Environment Agency have suggested that the fish could be removed entirely, but the council is minded to attempt to manage the problem by improving oxygenation.

The reed cull last year and the growth of the flag irises will be a help in this regard, as will deploying barley straw bales next season.

For now, we are looking at aeration solutions, starting with a trial of a temporary floating engine pump and aeration system. This will be run during the day only.