Day: November 26, 2021

Amazing things about Copnor’s Baffins Pond

Baffins Pond, located between Tangiers Road and Hayling Avenue in the Baffins neighborhood of Portsmouth, is a naturally-fed pond surrounded by wildlife-rich parkland covering an area of roughly 4.35 hectares. Kids play spot and tennis courts are also located in the park. Here are amazing things about Copnor’s Baffins Pond:

  1. Suburbs Baffins farmhouse

Baffins Pond was once part of Baffins Farm, located on the site since the 12th century. The suburbs surrounding Baffins were part of the urban expansion that extended throughout Portsea Island in the 1930s when additional housing was needed to accommodate the city’s rising population. Baffins Pond Association Farmhouse used to be located around where the current tennis courts are now.

  1. Baffins Pond’s Purpose

A campaign was launched to ensure that Baffins Pond would survive the ensuing redevelopment, and in 1938, the Portsmouth Corporation agreed to purchase the site from landowners Morey & Flowers, allowing the Corporation to safeguard the area and utilize it as a public park. The plot was sold to Portsmouth Council for £5,500, with the condition that the city “undertake to conserve the site as an open space and not establish any buildings thereon, except pavilions or similar facilities used in conjunction; with recreation grounds.”

  1. Natural water supply

Baffins pond is naturally fed by springs in the local water table; however, it is prone to silting due to the nature of the groundwater source. During the summer months, as natural water levels drop, the pond level also reduces, posing a hazard to wildlife, particularly fish. So, To compensate, a 100-meter-deep well has been drilled beneath the pond to provide an alternative water supply if needed.

  1. Various types of birds

Baffins Pond is a zone to various ducks, swans, and many visiting waterfowl; visitors are only encouraged to feed birds grain for the birds and the pond’s benefit. A variety of establishments along Tangier Road sell suitable bird food. Mallards, Canada Geese, Shovelers, Barnacle Geese, Tufted Ducks, Mute Swans, and Coots, are frequent Baffins Pond. Cormorants, Little Grebes, and Grey Heron are also among the most uncommon visitors.

  1. A diverse diversity of wildlife and flora are found here.

The pond’s banks and islands sustain a diverse diversity of flora and animals, and significant work has been done to promote and protect these regions in recent years. A big children’s play area is located just east of Baffins Pond and features a variety of swings, slides, and other daring play equipment. Fenced-in tennis and multi-ball sports facility are also available. Thanks to Baffins Pond Association.