Restoring Scotsman’s Pit: A Community Conservation Effort

On Friday mornings, you may have noticed the group of men plus one lady who are busy paddling in Scotsman’s Pit. The rationale behind this is that fishermen, backed up by a bathymetric survey of the pit, have noticed that it is rapidly silting up. Now, both Post Office and School pits have been successfully dredged, but why not this one?
Well, the main reason is that due to the fact much of both the marginal and bank vegetation has been denuded over the last few years, there is nothing to stabilise the banks and these have been eroding fast. This has been particularly noticeable on the Station Road side, where partly due to the prevailing south-westerly winds, wave action has undermined the edge by a considerable amount. Last year, it was possible to measure an undercut of nearly three feet in places and over the winter months, a noticeable quantity of turfs could be seen drifting away in the water. Apart from the obvious silting up of the water, this also presented a hazard to anyone standing near to the edge if it suddenly gave way.
Historically the pit edges were bare, but this was when there was mud right up to the road edge and the horse and cart were the main form of transport. Later photographs show a wealth of edge plants, but sadly, many of these have been mown away.
So, the volunteer group named “Friends of Scotsman’s Pit, Great Massingham” was formed. Our aim is to help to stabilise the banks where possible by both reinforcing the edges as well as reintroducing some of the missing plants. By achieving this, we aim not only to help preserve this magnificent body of water for anglers, but to also create a colourful village centre for all to enjoy. Initially, efforts were confined to the use of stones, many kindly donated from local gardens and lengths of woven willow. These were combined with mud dug from the pit. This gave the opportunity for planting marginal plants, transferred from other areas of the pit. As well as this, a one metre “no mow” margin was negotiated in order to allow the edges to stabilise. Whilst this was partially successful, it was soon decided that a more permanent solution was needed.
So, professional advice was sought, and with the kind financial assistance of the Parish Council, lengths of coir rolls were purchased. These were staked close in to the banks where erosion was at its worst. Again, this gave a firm edge which could be back filled and planted. The main plants chosen were Sweet and Yellow Flags, Juncus Grass and Water Mint, all of which were readily available from the two main pits.
These efforts have proved to be very successful in stopping further erosion as well as adding colour and interest to the edges. In addition, strimming and further mowing can now be carried out much closer to the edge without damaging the banks.
Now, apart from passers-by, the main users of the pit are the anglers. The group have regularly liaised with them to seek both their views and wishes. Many compliments have been received as to the improvement to both water quality and the fish. Gaps in the taller edge plants are being left to allow access for fishermen to their favourite fishing spots.
The other change has been the increase in both flowers and insects seen. Dragon and Damsel flies, beautiful moths, colourful flowers are all there to be admired. An organised walk around the village was organised this summer by the Biodiversity Group, with many of the plants labelled for all to see. This was very popular, gaining a great deal of interest and praise from both villagers and visitors alike. One couple remarked that what was once a muddy pit was now a riot of colour and life.
Geese! Yes, the bane of many in the village! Unfortunately, close mown grass plus clear water edges are their favourite habitat, so if you wish to discourage them, then do not create this in the first place! Also, on one day this year, a pair of swans were spotted on the water. Many residents had fond memories of when these were a regular sight, but as many of the reeds, in which they would nest, were removed, there is nothing to attract them back.
Now the winter season, with high, cold, water levels is upon us, the group have slowed down their work, but we will be back in the spring, busy planting and repairing. The Parish Council purchased a quantity of daffodil bulbs and the group have planted these around the greens ready for a welcome spring greeting next year.
Next year, we hope to continue our efforts to stabilise the banks and reintroduce marginal plants to not only help, but to create a habitat for fish and aquatic life to thrive in. Some parts are however beyond our capabilities and the Parish Council are looking into ways of helping here, as professional help and equipment may well be needed. Once this has been achieved, it may well be time for the pit to be dredged, but this will be a far more serious undertaking than the last two, so we will have to wait and see.
So, if you see us paddling, do stop and say hello, or perhaps even join us! You do not need to get your feet wet, as many villagers have supplied us not only with materials, but coffee, cake and ice creams in the hot weather as well. Regular thanks and praise are offered and this perhaps shows that many appreciate our efforts.
Peter James

