Date published: 2025-07-10 | Category: Bath, Climate Emergency, Delivering for local residents, Leisure, Tourism and Heritage
Signs are going up at Bath’s popular Royal Victoria Park by the empty pond advising visitors about the dried-up feature – which in the hot weather, is now waterless.
The regular water source to the pond was cut off a number of years ago by Wessex Water because the condition of the pipes had resulted in flooding at nearby properties. The pond has also been losing water over several years, despite repairs to the lining. Long dry and hot spells and the effects of climate change are compounding the problem.
The long-term future of the feature will be considered by Bath & North East Somerset Council over the coming months.
Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, Councillor Sarah Warren said: “We are putting up signage by the pond in Royal Victoria Park, letting people know that due to the recent lengthy period of hot weather, the pond has dried out. There has not been a regular water supply to the pond for some time, so it has relied on rainwater to fill up naturally. However, with the impact of climate change we are seeing hotter, drier summers and this leads to a challenging situation for all our water features.
“We know this is a feature that has been enjoyed by people over many years and we want visitors to be aware that we hope to identify a longer-term water source. We will be engaging with the public over the coming months to consider all options as part of our Greener Places Plan.”
Work is under way to look at the future use of the space as part of the council’s Greener Places Plan, which is being developed to promote climate resilience, the sustainable protection of habitats and greater opportunities for recreation and wellbeing through engagement with nature.
The historic park, which was opened by Princess Victoria in 1830 when she was aged just eleven years old, is close to the city centre and spans 57 acres. It features beautiful botanic gardens, the Great Dell Aerial Walkway, a children’s adventure playground, café and the Temple of Minerva, which is used for intimate events including weddings.
ENDs