Efforts to save Big Mead pond in Shanklin from dangerously low water levels have begun this week, with the first 30,000 litres of water delivered after Islanders and local businesses rallied behind a community fundraising appeal.
As previously reported by Island Echo, a community-led GoFundMe was launched towards the end of last month to raise £1,000 to fund emergency water deliveries before pond conditions become critical.
With water levels having already dropped by around 1 foot, Big Meads’ first top-up of the summer season arrived yesterday, delivering 30,000 litres of water into the treasured pond.
Having lost a foot of water through the first 2 heatwaves of the year, Councillor Adrian Whittaker organised the community-led initiative that will see another 30,000-litre dose, priced at £260, enter the pond on Wednesday and a further top-up every week throughout the rest of July.
Although there are currently 3 tankers scheduled, with the fundraiser just £60 away from its goal at the time of publishing, Cllr Adrian Whittaker has confirmed to Island Echo that the crucial water will continue to be delivered as long as funding continues to be donated via the GoFundMe.
Big Mead has been at the centre of media coverage for several years as water levels degrade dangerously low, posing a threat to the wildlife that rely on its water source.
In 2022, Island Echo visited the pond where concerns had been raised that it was at risk of disappearing altogether after the collapse of a pipe supplying fresh water from the downs left the site increasingly reliant on rainfall.
Since then, periods of prolonged dry weather have repeatedly threatened the important habitat, including last summer when Biug Mead reached critically low Levels following weeks of hot, dry weather. The pond was saved thanks to the Isle of Wight community whose donations saw 120,000 litres enter the pond.
Organiser, Cllr Adrian Whittaker, would like to extend his thanks to everyone who has donated to the GoFundMe up to this point, as well as Friends of the Animals and JMC Hire who have played a vital role in the success of the initiative.
