Nearly a century old, Sudeley’s Tithe Barn Pond is being emptied and dredged in October to improve the living conditions for its intriguing aquatic inhabitants.
For visitors arriving at Sudeley, the 15th-century Tithe Barn offers the first glimpse of the Castle, seen through the arches which still stand stoically among the barn’s romantic ruins. A few steps further and those taking in the view across the stone-sided pond will also spot the flickering fins of carp, whose watery habitat is being refreshed as part of our ongoing maintenance and conservation works.
‘The pond is one of a number of stunning water features here at Sudeley” explains Sudeley CEO Dominic Hamilton. “We’re working with Gloucestershire-based firm Turtle Productions to empty and dredge the pond this autumn and clear 16 years’ worth of organic matter which has collected at the bottom. The aim is to improve the depth and quality of the water for the ecosystem which exists here. All of the living contents and most of the water is being kept and will be returned after cleaning.’
The fish will be temporarily housed in large tanks and cared for by the expert team from Turtle Productions during the works, offering the opportunity for a health check. ‘Last winter when the fish were less active and the water was clearer, 43 fish were counted,’ adds Dominic. ‘They are mostly common carp although a couple of grass carp have been spotted. There may be other creatures living in the murky depths which we will identify when the pond is emptied!’
The Tithe Barn Pond dates back to around 1930 and is fed by spring water which arises at St Kenelm’s Well on the hillside above the Castle and is piped down the hill to the site. The pool, which is also home to several patches of lily pads, slopes slightly towards the Castle end and is approximately 80cm deep. ‘We’re glad to be giving this recognisable feature of Sudeley’s grounds the care and attention it deserves,’ says Dominic.
The conservation project runs from Monday 12 October for two weeks and is being jointly supported by Sudeley Castle and Spectacle of Light.