An old millpond in Pembrokeshire has been restored to improve water quality and boost biodiversity.
The restoration of Wallis Pond, created in 1836 as part of the tributary of the Western Cleddau River, was made possible by funding from Nestlé Waters UK.
The pond, once a key water supply for a mill, had become heavily silted, affecting its ability to retain water and restricting the diversity of habitats in and around the area.
The restoration project was a collaborative effort involving Pembrokeshire County Council, Heavyside Landscapes, and Nestlé Waters UK, with regulatory guidance from Natural Resources Wales and support from the Ambleston Community Council.
The initiative saw the pond re-dug and de-silted, and the old sluice gate replaced to re-establish the millpond.
This has increased the pond’s capacity to hold water, which is hoped to help build resilience to the increased frequency and intensity of storm events, alleviating the risk of flooding in the local area.
The retention of flows in the pond for a longer time should also help reduce silt build-up and prevent nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates from travelling downstream in the Cleddau catchment.
This is expected to protect water quality, improve aquatic habitats, and encourage wildlife such as eels, otters, and damselflies.
Factory manager at the Nestlé Waters site in Princes Gate, Matthew Faulkner, said: “We are proud to be a part of the Wallis Pond restoration work, aimed at delivering long-lasting benefits in Pembrokeshire, where we bottle at source Princes Gate and Nestlé Pure Life waters.
The millpond before the restoration (Image: Nestlé Waters)
“This beautiful landscape is not only our home but also home to some incredible flora and fauna which are vital for keeping the area rich and thriving in biodiversity.
“We’re working hard to protect this land and the water beneath our feet.
“Water is a shared resource and a shared responsibility, and caring for it takes the whole community.
“That’s why we’re grateful to be working with partners on this project that will hopefully have a positive impact on the local ecosystem and community.”
Councillor Rhys Sinnett, cabinet member for residents’ services at Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “We welcome this funding to enhance the biodiversity in Wallis Pond which can be enjoyed by the residents of Ambleston, the wider communities in Pembrokeshire and the visitors to our fantastic county.
“This is an excellent example of partnership working that has significant benefits for the environment and the wellbeing of generations to come.”
Ambleston Community Council clerk, Eirian Forrest, said: “We are grateful to Nestlé Waters UK for the funding and wish to thank everyone who has been involved in this project, especially the Pembrokeshire County Council team, for pushing the project forwards.
“The Community Council are delighted that the work has finally been done and look forward to the positive impact it will have on biodiversity.
“We have already received many positive comments from members of the community.
“The improved pond encourages locals to take a walk around the area, as well as sit down to watch and enjoy the wildlife.”
The restoration of Wallis Pond is one of several projects that Nestlé Waters is working on as part of its efforts to regenerate local water cycles and create a positive water impact in areas where the company operates.