‘In the third phase of the Fishponds regeneration we planned to excavate one of the medieval ponds for both biodiversity and archaeological reasons. However, as the water flow and channel construction turned out to be more complex than anticipated and the ponds quite large...
‘We applied to TOE (Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment) for a grant to clear the sedges and weeds from what is considered to be the old Chilbrook, at the point where it forms the north side of the moat of Harvey’s House mound. This area is 20m by 60m at most, with a very gradual drop to no more than half a metre at the centre; and the surrounding sedges would form a safety barrier.
‘The open water would provide a much improved habitat for invertebrates, amphibians and bird life. It would also be visually pleasing whilst reinstating part of the historical landscape.’