Today we completed the earthworks of our new dam!

The large clay dam is built across an existing natural narrow point between two low ridges.

The purpose is to create a large pond in an existing wet area, which will attract and support water birds like ducks, herons, kingfishers, pukekos, and provide habitat for aquatic species like fish, eels and crayfish.

These photos show the digger in action and a view of the dam from uphill on the Southern side of the land. Click on each photo to expand and you’ll see Rachael + Nassy standing on the new Dam road!

Although it may look small there are more than 10 truckloads of clay and soil in the dam already and we may increase the height over time.

The outflow is solid stainless steel and will hopefully support a minimum depth of one metre.  In time some sludge and nutrients from the pond can be extracted to the adjacent garden. We plan to surround the pond with a mix of water-loving plants – both productive and native.