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Friends of Stephens Pond & Berryfields Orchard

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Friends of Stephens Pond & Berryfields Orchard

A group of volunteers who have come together to care for the area around Stephens Pond

30/09/2026

Hi all,
Unfortunately we have had to cancel this Saturday's work party, due to unforeseen circumstances.

05/09/2026

During our work party today, Joey Fox showed us how to test the water quality of the pond as part of the FreshWater Watch citizen science project.

We used special sample tubes to test the water for nitrates and phosphates. Both are naturally present in freshwater and are important for biodiversity - but too much of either nutrient can cause excessive algae and plant growth which can change the balance of the freshwater ecosystem. When the plants and algae die, the bacteria that feed on them consume large amounts of oxygen from the water which makes it harder for the pond life to survive.

The main cause of excess nitrates and phosphates in freshwater is pollution - for example from urban wastewater or agricultural runoff.

Our tests showed that while nitrate levels were low, phosphate levels were high. This means the pond would currently be classified as having a 'poor' ecological status. We are going to continue monitoring this on a quarterly basis and our results will be fed back to FreshWater watch to help build a picture of the health of freshwater across the UK.

03/09/2026

As we approached the pond this morning Stephen the heron was flying off. We then noticed the crows pecking at something on the edge of the pond. What they had been pecking was a lovely Koi carp.
Whether the Heron had dropped it after stealing it from a garden pond or it had been put into the pond after someone cleaned out their own pool. ?
It was approx. 25cm long.

02/09/2026

Work Party
Sat. 5th Sept. 10:30am
Pop along and pull
bindweed with us

24/08/2026

Thank you so much to the person who retrieved the two chairs out of the pond. I came armed with my grappling hook this morning.
Thanks again. The council bin cleaner should take them away this morning.

23/08/2026

No matter how much effort we put in to keep the pond and wood tidy some individuals seem bent on destroying our work. This is even more annoying when these two perfectly good chairs may have been of use to someone.
Regardless we will continue clearing this type of vandalism and keep the area clean.

13/08/2026

If you go down to the woods today you’re in for a big surprise. A beautiful fungus on the Oak tree at the back of the bench by the pond.
This particular fungus is “Lartiporus” or Chicken of the woods”. According to Google.

31/07/2026

Feeding time at the pond.

28/07/2026

To all our followers, special event happening on Saturday from 10:45 at the pond. Come along and see a new feature being added to the pond.

Address

Hermitage Drive
Sutton Coldfield
B76

Website

facebook.com

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