Oakwell Hall Reedbed          

Oakwell hall on a sunny spring day. I've saved this photo as my desktop background.                                                  

The Reedbed at Oakwell Hall was a BTCV project, which involved foreign students in the construction. 

It was very muddy work, but great fun. One year later and the water quality of the pond supported more than 20 invertebrate species, where once only 9 species had been found.

The Watch Day event scheduled for Sunday 16th June, included the standard Pond Dip events with visiting groups. This had been the first opportunity to study invertebrates since installing the Reedbed System in summer 2001. There were four dipping sessions, which allowed for a daylong study of invertebrates. Standard sampling techniques were followed.

The results of the invertebrate study are as follows :-

The total score of 93 is excellent. The number of families was 20, this is also excellent. The average score suggests moderate quality water. However, in this case the average score does not reflect the special scientific significance of this most dynamic ecosystem.

The list of 20 species is certainly significant. There were high scoring Cased Caddis and Damsel Fly Larva. The list of snail species is exciting, certainly worthy of further in-depth study. The ecosystem found in this pond is of the highest quality, as such its importance must be recognised.

Also found in the pond were frog and toad tadpoles, stickleback fish, Water Boatmen and Pond Skater’s. Both a Common Frog ( Rana temporaria ) and a Common Toad ( Bufo bufo ) were discovered. The water was filled with elodea pond weed, and flag iris. Two species of Damsel Flies were dipping their eggs into the pond. It could be expected that Dragon Fly will also visit the pond throughout July and August.

There were not many mayfly or damsel fly larva found. This could be the result of predation by fish and tadpoles. The ones found came from the middle of the pond weed. Perhaps this is where they find greater shelter from predators.

Previous studies have found only 9 species of invertebrates. This study found 20. This could be because of either error in previous tests, or there has been a significant change to the management of the pond system.

The aim of the Reedbed System was to filter sediments before they enter the pond, smothering the bottom of the pond, and the vegetation growing in the water column. There seemed to be significant amount of sediment among the Reeds. Interestingly, there were shoals of stickleback fish where the water flow entered the pond.

It could be said to be too simplistic to associate this impressive improvement in the quality of this ecosystem with the Reedbed System. However, there has been no other change to the management of the pond. The Reedbed System has therefore been a major contribution to improving the quality of this wild life pond ecosystem.

This study of invertebrates in the wild life pond at Oakwell Hall has found :-

* 20 invertebrate species, with a species total score of 93

* many other species of plant invertebrate, amphibians, and birds are attracted to the pond.

* The improvement could be as the result of the installation of the Reedbed System in summer of 2001.

* The significance of the quality of this ecosystem must be acknowledged.

This wild life pond stands as an example of the best possible environmental quality. All other pond systems could look to this as their example of best practice. With so much environmental destruction continually being discovered, the quality of this pond is an absolute joy to see. Continual monitoring will ensure this high standard is maintained.

I don't have the contact number of Oakwell Hall. You should be able to get it through Kirklees main switch board 01484 221000. Its a lovely place to take the family. Its so peaceful, and yet its surrounded by urban sprawl which cannot be see from the site. Have a good time and tell Eric or Richard I sent you.

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