The wetland area in front of you is what remains of the old millpond. In the 1770s Cresceld or Kirkskill beck, running down from the Chevin to the river on the eastern Parish boundary, was diverted to come together at this point with spring water from further west to form a pond. It occupied a considerably larger area than today, and the water was used to give a continual supply of energy to the corn mill. The water levels, and the flow into the mill, were maintained by sluice gates.
After the mill went out of use the pond gradually silted up and became overgrown. In the early 2000s it was cleared out, and became a sanctuary for waterfowl. The inspiration for this came from Harry Wardman, Honorary Citizen of Pool. Harry spent much time looking after the area, and the birds in it.
Sit here and watch the birds on the pond, the irises in flower in June, or the butterflies throughout the summer.
Link to Butterfly Conservation Trust
http://butterfly-conservation.org/50/identify-a-butterfly.html
