Plémont’s former swimming pool transformed into new wildlife pond

A long-dry swimming pool at the former Pontin’s holiday camp site on the Plémont headland has been given a new lease of life as a wildlife pond.

Jersey Water, Fire Service volunteers and the National Trust for Jersey have worked together to refill the pool, which was originally filled in during the 2010s.

The site was unable to retain water because of problems with its lining, leaving it dry for more than a decade. A new liner has now been installed and around 200,000 litres of water have been added.

The project aims to encourage wildlife back to the area and create a more natural environment.

Countryside Ranger Daniel Keane said the area would be re-landscaped, with planting and other work planned to help the pond blend into its surroundings.

Wildlife is expected to begin returning once the chlorine in the water has naturally dissipated, which is expected to take around two weeks. Mr Keane said the site should look increasingly natural over the coming year.

Volunteers from Greening Jersey are also due to carry out planting and soft landscaping work at the site.

Firefighter David Ryan, who helped fill the pond more than a decade ago, has returned to volunteer for the latest project.

He praised the work of the local community and the National Trust, saying he was happy to support efforts to protect Jersey’s natural environment.

Mr Ryan also thanked the Chief Fire Officer for allowing volunteers to use the service’s water tanker for the project.