Created in the early 19th century when the lane was constructed, the catchpond stores surface water runoff from the fields, discharging the water under Chidham Lane, through the tide bank at low tide.
Before the construction of the road and tide bank, this area was a marshy inlet from Bosham Creek. As well as providing a much-needed reservoir for surface water to prevent flooding of the road in heavy rain, creation of the catchpond provided a superb place for wildlife.
Did you know?
There are numerous fish in the pond, which find their way there through the discharge duct right under the road, and the island right in the centre also provides a safe nesting site for birds, away from predators.
Regular visitors that come in to feed at the catchpond include grey heron, little egret, cormorant, mallard and tufted duck. Bats can also be found hunting for insects across the pond at dusk all through the summer months.
The catchpond is regularly maintained by a volunteer who provides raised nest boxes, trims the hedges and keeps the vegetation in check. You can also find a visitor interpretation board sited nearby with more details about the catchpond.
Canada goose with her six goslings
Canada geese, mute swans, coots and moorhen regularly nest on the island in the middle of the catchpond each spring.
A pair of mute swans with their cygnets