The Parish Council's project to encourage more wildlife in the Chalk Pits Nature Reserve - whilst providing an attractive place for local walkers to pause for a rest - commenced in October.
Funded by grants from Hampshire County Council, the South Downs National Park Authority and Heritage Lottery funding, the pond will form part of a chain of ponds including those in Queen Elizabeth Country Park and Buriton village which will be good for a wide range of wildlife.
The pond is being clay-lined to create a natural setting that should not need significant maintenance. It will be filled by rainwater and planting will be confined to appropriate native species.
The plans also include wheelchair access and a seat so that everyone can pause and learn about the natural history and local heritage
Over recent years the Parish Council has done a great deal to conserve and enhance the natural history of the old chalk quarries whilst improving opportunities for public access and understanding about the industrial heritage of the parish.
The old pond, which is believed to have been used whilst the chalk pits and limeworks were an active industrial site, has been overgrown for many years. The slim concrete lining, which villagers can recall playing on many years ago, will be protected under the new clay lining.
Now designated as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), the historic old pond will be adjacent to where the Hangers Way and Shipwrights Way meet the South Downs Way.
