Six in ten Cheshire ponds have disappeared over the past 150 years, and many are in a poor state. The ornamental ponds at Hare Hill in Cheshire play a crucial part in biodiversity and are integral to drainage throughout the garden. They are home to a range of wildlife including great-crested newts, and rare dragonflies. Over time, they have become silted up, and need dredging to ensure a healthy habitat for wildlife. Because of their woodland location, the use of diggers is impossible; so in summer 2016 we trialed a new approach using horse power, in the shape of a Belgian Ardennes stallion called Rosco.

His hard work over two days has already improved the water quality in one of the ponds, while causing minimal damage.  Now we need you to help us bring Rosco and his team from Cumbria back in 2017. It will take two months to clear the three ponds, and will cost £650 per day. Every pound you donate to this appeal will make a difference to the biodiversity of our ponds, creating a better environment for wildlife, and greatly reducing the risk of flood damage.

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