When I checked recently the Aubrey pond was still dry. I am told it is because there is a leak that is proving difficult to fix. I have a simple technical solution. Don't fix it!

I assume the pond has an overflow pipe in case of heavy rain. In such a case a black 4" (100 mm) plastic pipe could be run up the Noddle Burn to a point where the stream bed is above the water level in the pond. Run the other end of the pipe in a trench to the side of the pond with a simple valve for control. Once done the pond can be filled and kept full and fresh because of the constant gentle flow of water into and out from the pond.

This is the principle behind the famous Bristol dock system.

Paul McKay