Lent Green Lane Pond Reopening

Last Saturday the pond echoed to the laughter of children, the chatter of crowds, and the quacks of pleasure of happy ducks as Burnham Parish Council was delighted to officially reopen the pond at Lent Green Lane in Burnham.

Burnham Parish Council now has an agreement to manage the pond for the next 21 years. Since taking it on from 1st April there has been a busy programme of tree works and other tidying-up to restore the pond to its former glory. The Council has also installed two new benches, additional litter bins, new safety signage and equipment, and a pond information board. The board, kindly funded by South East Bucks Community Board, gives visitors information about the history and wildlife at the pond.

All of this work has been overseen by a group of councillors, council staff, community organisations, and the Friends of the Pond.

Last Saturday the pond was officially reopened, and the information board unveiled, by the Countess Howe, Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire. Lady Howe spoke about the importance of community projects like the one to restore the pond, as well as the importance of Burnham within Buckinghamshire.

In addition to Lady Howe there were speeches from Cllr Marie Hammon, Chair of Burnham Parish Council, Tia Latham on behalf of resident and ‘Friends of the Pond’, and the Reverend Josh Cleaver, Vicar of St Peter’s Church. Tia spoke about the importance of the pond to local residents and the role of the Friends of the Pond in looking after it. Reverend

Josh blessed the pond, which in past times was owned by the Vicar.

Marie said “This is our land, our pond and our home. This moment marks a wonderful commemoration of the legacy of our village pond”. She added “There may be some new accommodation for our most important pond residents – the ducks – soon!”.

There were also kids activities, on a duck theme, kindly organised by the Burnham Health Promotion Trust, and a great time was had by all.