Created as a bathing bond to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, Queensmere now suffers from severe silt build-up due to its downslope location and leaf litter causing murky, poor-quality water. The pond is shrouded by mature trees on all sides, limiting the growth of surrounding (marginal) vegetation. Its concrete banks also impede plant growth and provide no wildlife shelter. One of the Commons’ most popular ponds, Queensmere’s perimeter has eroded from visitor pressure.

Thanks to a major grant, plus your support, we will appoint a specialist environmental contractor to carry out a major comprehensive restoration project in late 2024 including: Creating a 120m² reed bed. Desilting the pond, creating a new natural bank and wetland area with removed silt. Installing silt controls including leaky dams. Landscaping concrete banks by installing pre-vegetated coir rolls. Tree thinning. Constructing footpaths. Installing viewing platform and dedicated 'dog beach'.