World Water Day takes place on 22nd March each year and focuses on the importance of freshwater throughout the world.

Here in Mindenhurst we are situated very close to the fresh waterway of the Basingstoke Canal. We also have the new village pond, which in addition to being great for wildlife, is an essential part of the Mindenhurst Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS). The SuDS network of swales, ditches and channels manage the surface water run off across the development and form part of the protection for the Basingstoke Canal SSSI. The pond is an integral part of this system and helps to break down pollutants in the water through natural processes before the water eventually flows downstream and into the canal.

Our village pond is also a welcome natural habitat as it encourages plants and wildlife to thrive. Since it was built in 2018 the vegetation that was originally planted has been thriving. The damp meadow grass, wetland, marsh planting, and submerged planting has welcomed many species and provides an important habitat for biodiversity, especially birds, amphibians and invertebrates such as dragonflies. This new habitat also contributes to the biodiversity net gain strategy of the development.

You may have noticed that the Village Green pond forms a coverage of algae and duckweed during the warmer months. The presence of this coverage indicates that there is a high level of nutrients present in the pond. It is natural for a pond to develop this coverage during an annual cycle, however, it is important that this coverage is managed to avoid poor water quality in the pond. The pond is regularly inspected to ensure this cover does not adversely affect the biodiversity within the pond. Regular maintenance activities also take place which can include the direct removal of the coverage and dredging however this is done in a controlled and sensitive way. The timing of the management is important for protecting biodiversity, therefore, scheduled maintenance on a pond will usually be carried out in the autumn or winter, when waterfowl, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates are less active.

The objective for the pond in the long-term is to provide a good quality aquatic habitat for biodiversity, which also acts as an important part of the SuDS network.

Construction of a new Hall & Woodhouse multi million-pound community pub is under way in the village of Mindenhurst, Surrey.

The pub will be named ‘The Frog at Mindenhurst’ and is located on the corner of Brunswick Road, overlooking the lake and village green. The opening will also boost local employment by creating an estimated 40 new job roles.

The Frog’s layout has been carefully considered with dedicated areas for dining. Additionally, a pantry has been created to provide a cozy setting for guests to enjoy everything from a warming coffee and homemade pastries, to a pint of Hall & Woodhouse’s famous Badger beer.

Noticeable key features of the building include an extensive glazed gable end and an outdoor fireplace on the large veranda.

Construction of a new Hall & Woodhouse multi-million-pound community pub is underway in the village of Mindenhurst, Surrey.

Work began at the end of the summer to deliver a state-of-the art, family-focused pub which will provide great food, drink, and hospitality when it opens to guests in Spring 2022.

The pub will be named ‘The Frog at Mindenhurst’ and is located on the corner of Brunswick Road in the small village, overlooking the lake and village green. The opening will also boost local employment by creating an estimated 40 new job roles.

Mark James, Property Director at Hall & Woodhouse, explained: “When considering the design of the pub, we wanted to ensure it was in keeping with its natural setting. This is why we have based our designs on a traditional farmhouse and barn, with a contemporary twist.

“Ecology and setting are so important.  Our team has therefore put a significant amount of thought and consideration into the landscape, trees, plants and shrubs in our outdoor areas. We want to ensure that the pub connects with our beautiful and scenic surroundings.”

The Frog’s layout has been carefully considered with dedicated areas for casual drinking in the bar and dining. Additionally, a pantry has been created to provide a cosy setting for guests to enjoy everything from a warming coffee and homemade pastries, to a pint of Hall & Woodhouse’s famous Badger beer.

Noticeable key features of the building include an extensive glazed gable end and an outdoor fireplace on the large veranda.

The building’s design incorporates a number of green technologies that have been subtlety integrated into the overall aesthetic. These include PV solar panels, air source heat pumps, ambient cellar cooling, LED lighting throughout, and an electric kitchen.

Reclaimed building materials have been sourced for the pub’s structure and upcycled interior furnishings have been created to enhance the décor and incorporate elements of the surrounding environment. There will also be eight electric car charging points on site and numerous cycle bays.

Mark added: “We are proud to become part of the local community at Mindenhurst and are excited to get to know our neighbours. We very much look forward to warmly welcoming guests for some great hospitality next spring.”

For updates on the build, and for more information on Hall & Woodhouse, please visit www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk .