The last time I visited this quiet notch in the western scarp of the Yorkshire Wolds was three years ago, and I was trespassing. I’d been curious to see the “washpit”, a large pond fed from a chalk spring, and wondering, I confess, if it might be a good spot for a swim. Alas, I discovered that the bund holding back the water was broken, and in the place of clear water was an expanse of wet mud etched with the tracks of disappointed birds.
Surface water is rare in chalk landscapes, and the loss was awful to see. But I’ve learned that it’s always worth checking before calling out a problem like this. I messaged my friend Jon Traill at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, who has been working to restore old dew ponds across the wolds and has built excellent relations with many local landowners. He made some discreet enquiries and reached out to the farmer, who gratefully accepted an offer of help. I’ve been meaning to go back ever since.
I wasn’t expecting to meet anyone, but the farmer is collecting his bins from the end of his drive as I arrive. He gives a cheery wave and we fall into a conversation that swoops rapidly from local archaeology to rewilding (he’s all for it), and the wider responsibilities of feeding people and caring for the land management. Soon I feel able to come clean and tell him about my previous visit, the washpit and tipping off Jon. He lights up at the name and says that, like most farmers, he’s always stretched and being told what to do. The difference this time was someone offered to actually do it for him.“Do go and see,” he says, “there’s still work to do, but it held water all this year.”
When I get there, I find a miracle has taken place. The pond is a mirror held to the dale, blessing the scene not only with water, but with sky-light and symmetry. It’s beautiful. “Are you in Hobbiton?’ asks a friend when I share a picture. The water is clear to the bottom but, I note, not deep enough for swimming unless you are a duck. Probably for the best.
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