Splash

Springs on Robinswood Hill were used to supply drinking water to Gloucester between 1237 and 1924.

Water supplied to the city

Before the 1200s, the city got its drinking water from wells sunk into the gravel beds of the River Severn which were looked after by the monastery. As Gloucester's population increased, more water was needed, so the monks had to look for another supply. They were the first to channel water from the springs at Robinswood Hill, which travelled through a lead pipe over two miles all the way to the centre of the city.

As the population continued to grow, in 1740 two reservoirs were built to store water on the Hill. These reservoirs were used to supply drinking water until 1924, when they were replaced by a system of pumping and filtration works built around Gloucestershire, collecting water from the Severn and wells elsewhere. In the 1970s, the reservoirs were filled in, and have now become the main car park, buildings and picnic area that you can see at Robinswood Hill today.

Club Tailed Dragonfly — WildNet - Vicky Nall

The importance of ponds

There are several ponds on Robinswood Hill, these provide important habitat for wildlife. Ponds can support a wide range of species, from those that live there, like dragonflies, pond skaters, diving beetles and frogs, as well as wildlife that stop by for water and food, like birds and mammals. Many creatures that birds eat start their life cycle off in a pond before becoming an adult that emerges out of the water and flies away. For example, dragonflies lay their eggs in ponds, which hatch into larva that can spend years living under water. Once fully grown, the larva leave the pond, shed their skin, and transform into dragonflies.

Create your own pond

You don't need much space for a pond, and making one doesn't have to cost a lot, or take lots of time and effort. An old sink or garden planter can be enough to attract wildlife. Why not take up the 'mini pond challenge' and create one in your own garden with just the few materials listed below? If you fancy a bigger challenge, you could have a go at building a larger pond.