New life for Fossil Grove pond

A project to clear and line the little pond at the Fossil Grove that got underway just before the snow storms at the start of the month is now almost complete. And the Friends of Victoria Park are delighted to report that the pond will continue to provide an ideal home for newts and frogs discovered during the clearing work.
Richard East, Chair of the Friends of Victoria Park explains: “The pond has now been drained and cleared and the most worthwhile plants were moved to improve the natural edge of the big pond. The newts discovered during the clearing work have been taken into care by the council but will be safely returned along with the frogs when the pond is refilled in a week or so.
“All the pipe work at the back of the fossil house has been jetted and is now running cleanly and the outfall to the pond from this pipework has been located and cleaned. This is also running well.
“The inner clay liner will be laid this week and thereafter the contractor will tidy up and complete some path repairs.  A large stone has also been moved out of the gorge."
The project was funded by grants made to the Friends of Victoria Park through the Victoria Park Area Partnership Committee and the Garscadden/Scotstoun Area Partnership Committee and matched by the Council’s Land and Environmental Services.
“This is another stepping stone on our way to improving the land around the fossil grove that began with major clearance work to expose the overgrown rock faces last year” added Richard.
​FoVP's next goal is to win funding for a beautiful fernery at the Grove, reflecting the fact that the fossils themselves were tree ferns. It also hopes to reinstate the little bridge at the pond that so many people fondly remember.