A Cornwall MP is working with organisations, charities and local residents to make sure a pond is safe after several fish were found dead following the recent warm weather.
Perran Moon, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle, has been working with Cornwall Council, the National Trust and Cornwall Rural Community Charity (CRCC) to focus on the future of the pond at Heartlands.
On Thursday, Mr Moon visited the site alongside Katherine Nissen, Chief Executive of CRCC, which is due to take on the management of Heartlands with the National Trust later this year. He also spoke with Bonnie, a local resident who has been voluntarily clearing overhanging shrubs and removing dead fish, as well as contractors from Lorne Stewart and the National Trust's new Facilities and Services Coordinator.
Mr Moon said the recent fish deaths were caused by a combination of intense heat, evaporating water levels and algae build-up. A partially blocked filtration pump had worsened the situation but has now been cleared. He said the pond was never designed to hold fish, but residents had added fish over the years.
"Here's what I have established," Mr Moon said. "When the pond was originally created, it was never designed to hold fish, but fish have been added by local residents over the years. They have established themselves well, although sources of natural food are relatively scarce."
To improve the long-term health of the fish, Mr Moon said the pond needs two key improvements: an aerator and new natural food sources. Contractors from Lorne Stewart have already requested a quote for an aerator. After leaving Heartlands, Mr Moon met with the CEO of Cornwall Council to ask for the installation to be fast-tracked.
As well as the aerator, Mr Moon said the pond needs new aquatic plants to restore natural food sources. He plans to speak with the National Trust about replanting suitable vegetation and will seek expert advice on the specific species needed.
Mr Moon said he will continue to work with all relevant authorities to ensure the pond is properly supported as Heartlands transitions to new management later this year.
"I will continue to follow up until necessary changes are made, to ensure the long-term health of the fish," he said.
Cornwall MP Intervenes Over Heartlands Pond Fish Deaths