Scott's Pond on Humpback Road
A section of the creek on a property on Humpback Road tends to go almost dry during summer months, and BWHPA decided that a deep pool would be a needed refuge for any fish that did not manage to migrate downstream to waterways that retained water all year long. The property owners allowed the construction of an off-channel pond adjacent to Bilston Creek to supplement the few shallow natural pools in the area.
The original project involved excavating down about 2 metres below the low water level of the stream. Large rocks, approximately 1 metre in diameter, were placed in the bottom. Woven straw sheeting was placed around the sides of the pond, and various native plants were set in the soil.
Adjustments to the design were made later to address the flow through the pond which was affecting the oxygen levels. Eventually an outlet channel was designed and built which will provide a secondary route for fish movement. The plants, pond, and fish are thriving!