Our latest project has been to build 3 leaky dams on the stream running down from Dunces Corner Pond. This stream is a combination of overflow from the pond and the outflow from the underground pipeline of rainwater runoff, from Coopies Lane Industrial estate.

There are three main benefits, in my mind, for putting in these dams.

1. These dams will slow down the waterflow, particularly when there is heavy rain, which is a contribution to flood alleviation. This water feeds directly into the Wansbeck so it should in some small part slow the flow into the river.

2. As the water coming off the industrial estate will not be the cleanest my theory is that the pools formed behind the dams will act as settling ponds taking out some of the pollutants. In theory this should mean cleaner water going into the Wansbeck!

3. The pools formed should make better habitat as the waterflow will be much slower.

To progress this project I contacted Northumberland Rivers Trust and Peter Kerr came out and had a look, agreed it was a worthwhile project. He also agreed to fund the project, which was wonderful. Skill mill is the enterprise company that they use for this work, a company that we have worked with in the past having helped us with pond maintenance in the past.

Over the last week they have constructed three dams. They were learning as they went along so it took several attempts to ensure they weren’t too leaky. We even incorporated some donated sheep fleeces to help with the construction.

So it’s a big thanks to Dave and his team for all their hard work.