WORK is beginning on a major restoration project at Hanbury Hall, near Droitwich, to return the pond to its former glory.

The aim is to return the pool to its original appearance as a mirror pool, which possibly acted as a canal or moat for the mediaeval house that stood on the spot before Hanbury Hall itself was built.

"Work is beginning on a major garden restoration project, which will not only restore an historically important feature in the gardens but also help local wildlife by removing aquatic growth from the pond," said head gardener Neil Cook.

"The pond is a very important habitat for Great Crested Newts, a protected species, whose numbers have been declining in recent years, and it is hoped that their numbers will start to increase again as a result of the pond's restoration."

Work to the pond had been delayed until the last of the tadpoles left the pond and the adult newts began to hibernate in the gardens and park.

The pond will be drained and dredged and new sides will be built. It will then be refilled and the wildlife brought back.