First attempts to restore water levels at Big Mead Pond in Shanklin have been successful following the delivery of 5 water tankers throughout July, but organisers have warned the public that the fight is not over as they seek more funding for August.
Organiser of the community-led fundraiser, Adrian Whittaker, has said that thanks to the incredible support of the Shanklin and broader Isle of Wight community, phase 1 of his mission to stabilise Big Meads water levels has been a success.
As reported by Island Echo earlier this month, community members were encouraged to donate to the initiative, with organisers hoping to raise enough to secure the delivery of 5 water tankers throughout July.
With the goal reached, water levels at the pond have stabilised, with around 150,000 litres of water deposited into it in the last month.
Thanks to donations, a tanker has been secured for every Monday through to the end of August. Despite these efforts, organisers have warned that Big Mead still needs your help.
Adrian has said that in order to maintain a safe water level in the pond, it will need an additional top-up tanker every Thursday throughout August.
Because of this, funding for 5 more deliveries priced at £260 each needs to be raised to ensure the safety and protection of the wildlife as well as the preservation of one of Shanklin’s most treasured green spaces.
Adrian has said:
“This has been a true community effort from the very beginning, and together we can finish what we’ve started.
If you’re able to make a donation, or if you know a local business that would be willing to sponsor one of the Thursday tanker deliveries, please get in touch or donate today.
A huge thank you to everyone who has already donated, volunteered, shared our updates, or supported us in any way. Your generosity is making a real and lasting difference.
Let’s keep Big Mead thriving. Together, we can do this.”
Anyone able to make a donation or support fundraising efforts is asked to contact the organisers on 07762 084742. To donate, click here.
Every contribution, no matter how small, will help protect Big Mead and the wildlife that depends on it.
