Remove of silt from Church End Pond to site in Haddenham

Haddenham Parish Council is a rural parish in Buckinghamshire. The Council maintains all of the open spaces throughout the village including the ponds. Our largest pond is situated in the conservation area of Haddenham (Church End) and is a historical pond which has been in existence for over 100 years. It provides an attractive focal point for our parishioners and wildlife. Over the years there has been a silt build up which now needs removing to maintain the health and character of the pond.

The pond is approximately 38m long and 22m wide and had liner installed some time in the 1980s. There has not be any silt removal since this time which is approximately 40 years. Through initial surveys, we estimate that the pond contains 350 tonnes of silt. The Council commissioned a laboratory test on the silt and can confirm that it isn't contaminated and can be removed. The silt is to be removed, transported and offloaded to building site 0.9km away (within Haddenham), where arrangements have been made for it to be dispersed by the onsite building contractor.

Once all the silt has been removed a new liner will needed to be installed in the pond. Any areas surrounding the pond which are damaged by the silt removal / lorry movements will need to be restored and returned to previous state.

Due to the dry summer, current water levels are low in the pond however we do envisage that some water removal will be needed to access the silt and this must be taken into consideration as part of overall the project.

The Parish Council wishes to work in partnership with an organisation who has experience of managing large silt removal; be sympathetic to the nature of the pond; understands the sensitive issues regarding wildlife management; and will conduct themselves in an efficient and professional manner.

The Parish Council would like companies in the first instance to express their interest in this project. Arrange a visit to the site and work in collaboration with the Council to agree a full schedule of works. The Council has agreed, in principle, a comprehensive budget to undertake this project and organisations should be mindful that the Council is keen to complete the silt removal by early Autumn 2022.

Please contact the Clerk at Haddenham Parish Council to arrange a visit to discuss this project further.

[email protected] Haddenham Parish Council Banks Park Banks Road Haddenham Bucks HP17 8EE 01844 292411

Additional information: This is a historic pond which the Council wishes to return to its former glory. We look forward to hearing from Companies who will work in association with the Council to complete this restoration.