After much work by contractors, and expense, the oil spill appears to have been cleared. We await feedback from the Environment Agency on their investigation of this incident. It is pleasing to see the ever optimistic moorhens are sitting on eggs again. Let us hope that they are successful this time.
Mill Pond
Pollution on Mill Pond
Pollution measures on Mill Pond Photo by Kari Silvester
Early last Friday morning (31 March) a serious pollution incident was spotted on the Mill Pond, Glassmill Lane, Bromley BR1. This was immediately reported, by one of our members, to the Environment Agency. A large quantity of oil was covering the water and its margins.
Since then Thames Water contractors have been busy on site installing temporary booms to restrict the wider contamination of the River Ravensbourne, as well trying to remove the oil. To date at least one tanker full of oil has been sucked up. Unfortunately oil has also contaminated both the mud and the island. This will be extremely difficult to clean. The impact on the fish and other invertebrates in the water has yet to be determined. Already several nesting Moorhens have died as a result of this pollution, and the RSPCA are continuing to monitor the situation.
The Environment Agency and Thames Water investigation, of the cause of this pollution and identification of the culprit, is ongoing. For more on this area go to Mill Pond and Ravensbourne restoration
This historic Mill Pond is important both for its heritage and environmental features. It is an important nesting site for ducks and is also visited by grey herons, kingfishers, etc. Part of the River Ravensbourne catchment, we were already working with Thames21 and other stakeholders, to access grant funding to enhance this important space.
Mill Pond working party
Cutting back hedge.
On Sunday 4th October Thames21 led the first working party of the autumn. Previously we were constrained by nesting birds. About ten volunteers cleared some undergrowth from paths and other key areas. Also the water level was temporarily lowered to increase water speed and so help to clear some silt around the weir. The next working party will take next month.
Mill Pond Review
Weir, Mill Pond
On Sunday 13th September several members, and local people, attended a site meeting to discuss comments made by various parties, including the Environment Agency, to the latest Thames21 plan for the restoration of this historic former mill pond, off Glassmill Lane, BR2.
Topics covered included pollution control, water flow & flood control, a revised weir, and biodiversity. Thames21 are aiming to finalise project proposals and estimated costs by year end. In the meantime working parties will be arranged to maintain and tidy up existing vegetation, etc pending the project implementation.
