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Swan Pond
Situated at the south end of the park the Swan Pond is a popular venue for families, birdwatchers, walkers and historian alike.
Created by flooding a wet meadow of some 13 acres the Swan Pond was established early in the 19th century. Stocked with trout, perch and ruddy it was initially used for fishing by the 1st Marquess. The nearby Pagoda is also thought to have been home to a monkey around this time! The building complex of Swan Pond Cottage and Aviary was originally a poultry maid lived in the central two-storey accommodation while the two wings were the poultry houses. Dozens of swans were also reared in large numbers on the pond. Pinioned so they could not fly off they were destined to appear as the main course in banquets at the Castle.
The area is now managed both for people and wildlife. Red squirrels, roe deer and countless songbirds may all be seen in the woods with a little patience. The pond itself is alive with waterfowl all year round. In summer the resident mallards can be seen with tiny ducklings in tow and moorhen, dabchick and occasionally tufted duck also breed. There are always gulls, particularly blackheaded gulls and black backed gulls hang around to prey on the many ducklings. In winter a diverse range of wildlife joins them – mainly tufted duck and golden eye with occasional pochard, widgeon and teal and rarely gadwall, pintail and shoveller. In rough weather we may get sea ducks and cormorants on the pond. There are also, of course swans. We usually have only one pair of swans, though in the past two or three pairs have nested.
The variety of fish in the pond has declined and there are now only small numbers of perch and a population of eels as well as the smaller minnows. Fishing is no longer allowed but the fish provide good eating for the resident pair of otters which have several Holts around the pond as well as on the coast where they spend the rest of the time.
A large car park is situated at Swan Pond where toilets, refreshment point, and the Children’s Adventure Playground can also be found.
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