Date published: 2026-08-11 | Category: Climate Emergency, Delivering for local residents, Leisure, Tourism and Heritage
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s aim to restore a long-term water supply and increase biodiversity for the ponds in Royal Victoria Park in Bath is continuing, with silt removal to begin in the early autumn.
The first phase of the project to estimate the amount of water needed to keep the ponds full throughout the year has already been completed. Early investigations have identified several water sources in and around the park that are being monitored to assess their flow rate.
Now, a contractor has been appointed to remove silt and the damaged liner from the ponds. Removing the silt will be easier during the current dry weather and means a new liner can be installed when works to restore the water flow are complete.
Temporary ways to increase water levels in the ponds have also been explored, including diverting rainwater from the roof of the Temple of Minerva and the stream at the edge of the Great Dell. The cascade from the Botanic Garden will also be cleaned and repaired.
In the autumn the council will be consulting to seek the views of the public on ways to improve the setting, establish new planting and increase biodiversity of the ponds and their surroundings.
Councillor Oli Henman, Cabinet Project Lead for Climate Change, said: It’s fantastic to see this project moving forward. Appointing a contractor to remove the silt and install the liner marks a significant milestone towards breathing new life into the ponds. These are the steps needed to prepare the ponds while we continue to develop a sustainable long-term water supply to protect and enhance them for generations to come."
The work is being done in phases to secure value for money. Additional external funding may be sought for later stages of the project.
Further updates will be posted on the council’s social media channels and on the Royal Victoria Park pond webpage.
ENDS