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Pond Life:
Revitalising Community, Nature, and Biodiversity
Bringing people, place and environment together in harmony.
At The Green Space in Braunstone Town, we believe nature has the power to heal, connect and inspire. That’s why we’re launching Pond Life: Revitalising Community, Nature and Biodiversity—an exciting project supported by Severn Trent to transform a forgotten pond into a thriving ecosystem and inclusive community space.
Why This Project Mattered — What We Did
The Green Space is a vital hub—home to our Community Fridge (supporting ~50 people weekly), mental-health projects and skill-building programmes.
One neglected area remained: an overgrown pond.
We restored it to address three priorities:
People: improved wellbeing through therapeutic, nature-based activities.
Place: created an accessible, safe, welcoming space for all ages.
Environment: boosted biodiversity, water stewardship and sustainable practices.
Our Vision — Delivered
We brought the pond back to life as a haven for wildlife and people. The revitalised, water-rich space now:
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Hosts native aquatic plants and habitats for frogs, dragonflies and birds.
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Provides accessible pathways and seating for elderly and disabled visitors.
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Offers learning opportunities through workshops on water conservation and biodiversity.
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Acts as a focal point for connection, education and mindfulness.
What We Did
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Cleaned and restored the pond using eco-friendly methods.
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Levelled uneven ground for wheelchair users and older visitors.
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Installed three benches and repaired fencing to improve safety.
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Ran workshops for schools, families and volunteers.
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Delivered guided walks, therapeutic sessions and wildlife monitoring.
Community Benefits — Outcomes
Wellbeing: participants reported reduced stress and improved mood through regular, nature-based activities.
Accessibility: the area is now safely reachable for all, including 52 elderly participants who previously couldn’t access the area.
Learning: more than 52 pupils, 4 teachers and 46 family members joined hands-on sessions about water and biodiversity.
Biodiversity: healthier habitats now support a richer mix of amphibians, insects and birds.
Legacy: 17 volunteers were trained to maintain the space, embedding long-term stewardship.
Altogether, over 1,500 people now benefit each year—directly and indirectly.
Activities to reach more people and share the importance of water and wildlife around water:
In our outreach activities, we made bee baths, learnt about ponds, and created pond bookmarks. We also wrote an article for the local newsletter, shared updates about the project, and invited everyone to The Green Space.
“I’ll soon be retiring, and I’m really looking forward to spending more time at The Green Space. It feels like the perfect place to be part of my retirement plans—peaceful, welcoming, and full of life.”
“I first heard about the pond project at the library, where we made bookmarks and learnt about ponds. Now my child and I can’t wait to pop over to The Green Space and see it all in action.”
School Workshops:
The workshop gave our pupils a real sense of curiosity about water and wildlife. It was hands-on learning they’ll remember far longer than a classroom lesson.” — Teacher
Family workshops:
“It was lovely to do something outdoors with my children that was fun and educational. We now check the pond every time we visit The Green Space.” — Parent
“I got to see a frog up close for the first time! I told my mum I want to come back every week.” — Child.
“As a family we’ve started collecting rainwater in a butt at home after learning how important it is for the environment.” — Parent
Listen to what community members created.
Where we started:
“Before, this was just an unused corner. Now it’s a beautiful pond where people meet, chat, and feel proud of what we created together.” — Local volunteer
“I come here when I feel stressed. Watching the water and wildlife calms me down. It’s become a real sanctuary.” — Community Fridge user
Where we are now:
Because rainwater is precious, each participant collected rainwater at home and brought a bottle to The Green Space to help fill the pond. On the day it was ready, we had a stack of recycled bottles filled with rainwater—ready to pour.
We all took part:
“I never thought I’d be able to reach the pond because of my walking frame. The new path and benches mean I can enjoy it just like everyone else.” — Elderly participant
“The pond has brought new life to The Green Space. For people my age, it’s not just about nature – it’s about having somewhere welcoming to sit, talk, and feel included.” — Community member
Look at all these water plants! We sketched them as we learnt about how they will help the pond and its wildlife.
“I come here when I feel stressed. Watching the water and wildlife calms me down. It’s become a real sanctuary.” — Community Fridge user
