Lost Between 2 Centuries (2025)

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At the bottom of a pond. A very large pond. A few months ago, it had to be drained as the overflow system pipe was leaking and required repair. Swan mussels, carp and other organisms were found and rehomed. Non-organisms were rehomed too. Dropped, chucked, lobbed, lost, some over 50 years ago.
Draining the pond provides the perfect opportunity to assess fish populations, which were previously very high. Although important in their own right, fish consume aquatic plants which are a key habitat for a range of aquatic invertebrates; and invertebrates are an essential component of the ecosystem.

Tools, toys, fish hooks and a Krispy Kreme loyalty card. Lost between two centuries.

Submerged wood was found. Some submerged wood is beneficial habitat to aquatic invertebrates, but an excess increases nutrient levels to a level at which many aquatic plants cannot compete with algae.

A plastic shark, a plastic shoe, a plastic elephant. Chemicals from certain plastic objects were leeching into the water. Tons of golf balls, bones and belts.

The inorganic objects from the pond were destined for disposal, and not be returned. Covered in putrid mud and collected into large black bin bags. The ephemeral pond bed provides the perfect spot for waders to visit and forage, and so, in time, the pond is allowed to fill naturally with rainwater.

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By Miles and Dominique Russell.