New pond for children's zoo

WORK has started on construction of a new duck pond at the children’s zoo at Walton Hall Gardens.
As a result, parts of the zoo will be closed to the public for some time.
Built more than 40 years ago, the existing pond has developed leaks and is difficult to keep clean.
The new pond will have a breeding island for unusual breeds of ducks, swans and geese. There will also be an extension to the Red Squirrel breeding cage, which is sited next to the pond, with an “over water runway” enabling the squirrels to move from one cage to another.
There will also be a waterfall and a rockery and the pond will have special filters to help keep the water clean.
The project has been funded by FCC Environment Ltd, through Landfill Communities Funds distributed by WREN.
Warrington Borough Council and the Friends of Walton Estate have also made contributions.
Richard Smith, grant manager for WREN said: “We are really excited to be involved in a new phase of improvement works at the children’s zoo.
“WREN aim to fund projects that make a real difference to local communities and hope the zoo is used and enjoyed by people of all ages for many years to come.”
Red Squirrels have been bred at Walton Hall Gardens for some years and when old enough are released in the wild in areas where they are still able to thrive.
Pictured: Work starts on the new pond and (left) one of Walton Hall Gardens’ red squirrels.