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The Pond That Got a Bit Too Comfortable…
It started with a weed problem. It ended with one of the best days we’ve had all summer. Here’s what happened on Wednesday 26th August – and why getting mucky was absolutely worth it!
After a brilliant summer of sunshine at Notter Bridge, our pond had been quietly doing what ponds do in warm weather… growing. A lot. Weeks of heat and long daylight hours gave the surface vegetation exactly what it needed to take over, and by late August the balance had tipped firmly toward green chaos.It wasn’t just an aesthetic problem. Dense weed cover blocks light from reaching the water, drops oxygen levels, and can seriously affect the fish, frogs, dragonflies, and birds that depend on a healthy pond. Left unchecked, a small overgrowth becomes a much bigger issue. So we grabbed the pitchforks, put the word out, and organised a Notter Pond Cleaning Day.
Who Showed Up (This Is the Best Part)
Our team were there from the start. But what made the day something special was who else rolled their sleeves up.
Long-term lodge owners who know this park like a second home. And, brilliantly – a handful of guests who were simply here on holiday and decided to get involved anyway. Nobody asked them twice. They just showed up, grabbed a rake, and got stuck in. That, right there, is what the Notter Bridge community is all about.
Tasks divided naturally: some waded in to fork out the dense mats, others managed the wheelbarrows on the bank, and a few carefully checked each bundle of weed for trapped wildlife before anything was carted away. Children helped spot tadpoles and dragonfly larvae. There were snacks, a proper lunch, and the kind of laughter that only happens when you’re knee-deep in pond weed with people you’ve just met.
Why It Actually Matters
Keeping a pond looking smart is one thing. But the real reason we do this is the wildlife.
The Notter Bridge pond is home to fish, frogs, aquatic insects, moorhens, and mallards – none of whom checked whether they were allowed to move into a holiday park. We left reed beds along one edge untouched, kept shaded margins in place, and placed removed vegetation at the water’s edge temporarily so any hidden invertebrates could make their way back.
Within days, the difference was visible:
- Clearer water. Ducks with room to feed. Fish easier to spot near the surface on early mornings. Small actions, real results.
- Clearer water and improved oxygen levels for fish and invertebrates
- More open habitat for birds and amphibians
- Reduced risk of further weed overgrowth next season
- A healthier pond ecosystem – maintained by the community that uses it
How We’ll Keep Looking After It
This wasn’t a one-off. Going forward we’ll carry out seasonal visual checks, light maintenance through the year, and avoid heavy work during spring and early summer when wildlife breeding is at its peak.
If another full clean-up is needed, we’ll announce it through our website and newsletters so owners and guests can get involved again. Because this kind of thing works so much better as a team effort.
If you’re visiting, you can help every day – report any signs of distressed wildlife to reception, keep dogs from the shallow margins, and resist the urge to feed the ducks bread (it’s not great for them, it turns out).
A Huge Thank you!
To everyone who gave their time on 26th August, got their boots muddy, and helped us look after this little corner of Notter Bridge – thank you. You made a necessary job into something we’ll genuinely remember. 🌿
Environmental care isn’t something that gets handed down from a company policy document. It grows – a bit like pond weed, actually – in the right conditions. Notter Bridge has always attracted people who care about where they are. Days like this one are proof of that.
Stay at Notter Bridge Holiday Park
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FAQ: Your Notter Bridge Questions Answered
Q1: How often will you carry out pond clean-ups at Notter Bridge?
Full clean-ups happen when conditions genuinely call for it, like an unusually warm summer that accelerates weed growth. In between, we carry out lighter, more frequent checks throughout the year to stay on top of things before they become a problem.
Q2. Where is Notter Bridge Holiday Park?
Notter Bridge Holiday Park is located near Saltash in Cornwall (PL12 4RW), sitting on the A38, making it a perfect base for exploring South East Cornwall. Whitsand Bay, Kingsand, Cawsand, Polperro, and the Eden Project are all within 30 minutes.
Q3. Can guests get involved in future projects at Notter Bridge?
Absolutely – and we’d love that. Future pond or habitat projects will be announced through reception, our website, and newsletters. Whether you’re here for a week or a weekend, there’s always a way to make a small difference.
Q4: Is Notter Bridge Holiday Park dog-friendly?
Yes – fully. Dogs are welcome throughout the park including in lodges and glamping pods. We just ask that guests keep dogs away from the shallow pond margins to protect the wildlife habitat there. We also have a dogs off lead area to ensure our furry guests get the exercise they need.
Q5: What wildlife can you see at Notter Bridge Holiday Park?
Quite a lot, as it turns out. The park’s pond and surrounding woodland attract moorhens, mallards, dragonflies, frogs, and various aquatic insects. The wider countryside around Notter Bridge is home to kingfishers, deer, and plenty of woodland birds, it’s a genuinely nature-rich corner of Cornwall.
Q6: How often does Notter Bridge carry out pond maintenance?
We carry out lighter checks throughout the year to stay on top of things before they become a problem. Full clean-ups – like the community event in August 2026, only happen when conditions genuinely call for it, such as after an unusually warm summer that accelerates weed growth. We time all pond work carefully to avoid disturbing wildlife during peak breeding season in spring.
Q7: What accommodation is available at Notter Bridge Holiday Park?
Notter Bridge offers a range of self-catering accommodation including named lodges (Cherry Tree, Bluebell, Willow, Riverside Retreat, and the brand new Hazel Lodge sleeping 6), glamping pods sleeping 2 from £72 per night, and touring and camping pitches. All accommodation is dog-friendly.
Q8: Can guests get involved in conservation days at Notter Bridge?
Absolutely and we’d love that. Future pond or habitat projects are announced through our website and newsletter so guests and owners can plan to get involved. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, there’s always a way to make a small difference to the place you’re staying.
Q9: What is there to do near Notter Bridge Holiday Park?
More than you might expect. South East Cornwall is packed with things to do – Whitsand Bay and Kingsand/Cawsand beaches are within 30 minutes, the Eden Project is a short drive, and the Tamar Valley Line train (named the UK’s most scenic rail journey) stops just a 5-minute taxi ride from the park. Polperro, Looe, Dartmoor, and Plymouth are all easily reachable for a day out.
Come and see Notter Bridge for yourself…
If you’ve never visited Notter Bridge, we’d love to welcome you. The pond, the walks, and the woodland are all part of what makes this park so special. And if you’re one of our regulars reading this – you already know. There’s nowhere quite like it.
Tucked away on the banks of the River Lynher, Notter Bridge Holiday Park is a welcoming destination for couples and nature lovers alike. Surrounded by ancient woodland, wildlife trails, and calm waters perfect for paddling or kayaking, this family-run park offers an authentic escape to the great outdoors.
We had the loveliest day cleaning the pond, it was amazing to see everyone mucking in together, even guests on holiday - it was very special!
Kay - Notter Bridge Park Host
