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​Small areas of Common Reeds (Phragmites Australis) or "reeds" were deliberately planted in the 1980s and 1990s, and have been spreading along the pond bank of Slipper Road ever since; particularly in the less saline area at the northern end where they have grown very strongly and have also been spreading into the Pond.  Over many years, much time and effort has been taken by the Trustees and Volunteers to try to "contain" the spread of the reeds using various measures including matting placed over cut reeds, poisoning by hand of individual reed stems, and cutting them back to try to "drown" them. These measures have been extremely time-consuming and not effective, except in the very short term, and in recent years the expansion has been around 0.5m a year and more than this in some places; if left untouched, they will completely cover the bank of Slipper Road.

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Following detailed investigation by the Reeds Subgroup and various meetings with outside specialists, it has become clear that the only two long-term options for removal are; excavation - which could potentially cause damage to the banks, and therefore to Slipper Road; or engage a specialist contractor using a licensed herbicide approved by the Environment Agency (the preferred option) - a method which is often used in many locations elsewhere.  In March 2025 it was agreed to try to significantly reduce the size of the Phragmites reed beds in the north-east corner and in the middle section of Slipper Road, the areas of most concern and which generate the greatest amount of maintenance work. The southern section of reeds is to be left untouched unless the reeds start encroaching onto Slipper Road or are seen to be taking over the Pond. The Trustees have agreed therefore to cut back the reeds in the two proposed sections, to prepare for this work to take place. 

We have been reassured that the herbicide used will have no impact on humans, fish or wildlife.  It will be applied by a licensed operator and, importantly, the solution is made up of 99% water.  This means that any small dilute contamination of the pond that may occur as part of the process is likely to be less significant than the regular sewage damage that the local seawater, and therefore the pond, has to put up with. 

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We appreciate that some members are concerned about the cutback, and we would like to reiterate that the decision to reduce the size of the two reed beds has not been taken lightly. The reed cutting has been carried out before the Reed Warblers arrive (normally in late April/early May) and start nesting, and there is plenty of reed habitat for them in many other places in the local area (Peter Pond, Thorney etc). The aim is very much not to lose all of the reeds as it is a valuable aspect of the Pond's vegetation, and it assists with purifying the water and bank stability.  However, the reduction of the area it covers is important to support other wildlife, time spent on management of the reeds and allowing walkers along Slipper Road greater visibility of the pond.  The intention is ultimately to replace the reeds with Sea Club Rush to protect the banks, and other wildlife planting in the cleared areas.