Drainage pond maintenance gets underway

Maintenance works are underway to help keep the Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) ponds at One Horton Heath working effectively and supporting the site’s wildlife.
There are 14 drainage ponds across One Horton Heath, with some interconnected to form part of a wider system.

SuDS are designed to manage rainwater more naturally. Rather than water quickly running off roads, roofs and other hard surfaces, the system slows it down, stores it and helps filter out pollutants before the water moves through the site. This can help reduce flood risk, improve water quality and create valuable habitats for wildlife.

The ponds have also become a feature of the developing landscape and provide a home for a variety of wildlife. Ducks, frogs and deer have all been spotted around the ponds, while the site also supports protected species including great crested newts.

Keeping the ponds working effectively

Regular maintenance is an important part of keeping SuDS working as they are designed to.

The current works include cutting back excess vegetation and removing some of the sediment that has built up in the ponds. This helps to maintain the ponds’ capacity and allows water to continue flowing through the system effectively. The works are being carried out by Eastleigh Borough Council’s Direct Services team.

The timing of the work has been carefully considered with the site’s ecologists, taking account of the wildlife using the ponds and the conditions on site. Great crested newts are a protected species, so pond management needs to be carefully planned to avoid harming them or their habitats.

Residents living close to the ponds may notice some noise while the works are taking place, as well as a temporary change in smell in the air when sediment is being removed.

The maintenance will take place across the site as the different ponds are worked on, helping to keep the drainage system functioning effectively as One Horton Heath continues to develop.

SUDs Pond by The Lower Acre – overgrown with reeds and long grass