Pond Life

There is, on one of my daily walking roots, what is generally know hereabouts as a 'Perch Pond'. Nothing to do with the fish, rather that it perches on the water table. There are no streams feeding it, although in all probability there is a spring at the bottom. (Not to be confused with a 'dew' pond - these are entirely man made).

I have known this pond for over 50 years. For years it stood in the middle of open farmland. Occasionally in high summer it would start to dry out but, as far as I can recall it never dried out. As kids we used to enjoy setting it alight (the methane or marsh gas would burn blue). I am reminded of that Flanders and Swann classic The Bedstead Men

Now houses have been built on the land and a very wary builder has  encircled the pond with a high fence.  Consequently it now looks deeply unloved. However at the moment its burst into colour with a wonderful display of yellow iris.