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Projects Completed
| Restoration of Foundry Pond (2003-2005) |
The restoration of Foundry Pond was the first major project undertaken of the newly formed ACTION DAY group of volunteers. Located in the centre of the village and part of West Wycombe Estates, Foundry Pond looked neglected, with rubbish thrown in by careless and inconsiderate people for some years.
After research into ownership and obtaining permission from all authorities involved a detailed project management plan was set up and funding obtained from the Lottery’s ‘Awards for All’ scheme and from WDC, whose ranger service was very helpful. Restoration took place in sections to fit in with volunteers available on Action Days.
The Bucks Free Press sent a photographer on 8th November 2003 
who captured the work of a contractor supported by LECG helpers, to rid the pond of all rubbish. Tree surgery opened up the pond to more day light. Two marsh areas were planted up at opposite ends, the rusty and broken fence at the side of a new industrial park was replaced and a hedge and a few trees planted. Trees fallen into the pond were removed, cut up and stored as wildlife habitat sites at the edge of the adjoining grass land, where some ten years before LECG had planted a dozen cherry trees. Installing a sturdy oak bench on the southern side of the pond finished this project.
| Restoration of Head & Body Pond (2004-2005) |
A map of 1900 shows the western part of Cadmore End Common to be rough pasture with gravel pits and clay pits.
Some of the pits have become seasonal ponds: an ideal habitat for wildlife including a few less common marsh plants.
The largest pond is Head and Body Pond, a name which probably arose from its shape rather than some sinister history. Over the years the pond had shrunk in size and silted up. Bryan and Alison Edgley of Kensham Farms, landowners of the common, were as keen as the Lane End Conservation Group to prevent the pond from disappearing completely. The first step was to obtain a specialist ecological report. The objective of opening up the pond and its surrounding area was agreed. The necessary permissions were obtained and funding secured.
Before work started, letters to local residents described the planned work, and walkers to the proposals. Local residents were allowed to collect firewood afterwards. The extracted leaf litter and silt was deposited into a deep former claypit close-by, which was then fenced off.
After the contractors had left there was now a large open pond. The banks looked a bit raw for a few months, until new
vegetation began to spread in spring. The Lane End Conservation Group replanted the uprooted bluebell bulbs and built wildlife habitat from sticks and branches collected from around the site. There was plenty of frog spawn at the water's edge in spring and dragonflies and
damselflies hovering over the emerging marsh plants. Occasionally a heron explores the open water and moorhen and ducks now enjoy the natural food sources here. By opening up the pond and by allowing sunshine to reach the water we were able to create a water-based
habitat for wildlife quite different from all the other seasonal ponds hidden in the undergrowth.
This contrast in habitat should ensure a greater biodiversity in this area than was possible prior to the pond restoration. Local residents, all members of the Lane End Conservation Group, will continue to monitor the pond
and, with the support of the landowners maintain this area of Cadmore End Common as a haven for wildlife.
| Creating Permissive Footpaths on Cadmore End Common |
On request of the landowners of Cadmore End Common a new footpath was created through impenetrable undergrowth in the western woodlands of the common. Using a chainsaw a route was cut and the following Action Day a dozen volunteers cleared a new way through the woods, connecting two public footpaths.
Another path was cleared through Hatches Wood. This area, former meadow given to the estate by the High Way Authorities when the M40 cut off part of the common. In 1992 Hatches was cleared by LECG volunteers and 475 trees (oak, cherry, rowan, etc.) were planted. Over the years almost all have grown into strong specimen. As thick undergrowth mad this new wood inaccessible, a path was cleared which again connects two public footpaths. At the same time our volunteers helped by a group of sea scouts removed the now rotten protective sleeves and stakes from the now sturdy trees.
Insert photo of path – Christmas card
| Project at Planning Stage – Autumn 2009 |
Hatches Pond – Cadmore End Common: Hatches Pond, Kensham Farm Pond, Head and Body Pond.
The owners of Cadmore End Common have approached LECG with a request of help in improving this common. If we can obtain funding then a new pond will be created from a couple of adjoining water filled claypits in a densely overgrown woodland area. At the same time another pond near Kensham Farm is in need of restoration. Part of this project will be the control of excessive vegetation around Head and Body Pond.
Insert photo - Hatches Pond