[Helencus]

We had the old pond in our field dug out today so we are taking bets on how long it will take for the neighbours to complain and the council to jump in. I've the maps from 1832 and 1838 showing the large pond but I just know they'll write to me. My bet is by the weekend Rob reckons a week.
I know we will get complaints as neighbour challenged the workmen doing it telling him the road was not an access to my field.. Amusingly the workman has lived in the village 50 years and told him oh yes it was and always has been in fact he has used it regularly over the years.. Still bound to have wound them up so here goes for another round of hassle but hell bring it on I'm just restoring an old pond in aid of conservation.

[robert waddell]

nothing upsets the locals more than holes being dug irrespective of what the hole is for
i have met your neighbour(they are allover the country) and just love telling them the biggest load of crap and they believe it
good luck keep us posted we will encourage you from afar

[Helencus]

Thanks Lillian. The workman also snapped a branch off a willow tree with a TPO quite by accident with the digger. Regrettable but not a lot we can do.. They were gesticulating about that too.. Guaranteed they'll be on the phone by 9am. 
So help me if they do I am planting some very quick growing hedging to block their view!

[shetlandpaul]

a whole branch from a willow. well that will never grow back. point out your just clearing out an old antrax pit as instructed by defra. invite them to inspect it.

[Helencus]

Lol indeed it won't Paul we all know how delicate willow is..
As for the pit if my neighbour keeps it up I may well just plant lots of willow All along their view line..,

[babybeau]

I have a better idea than to have a pond..chuck your neighbour in the hole and fill it back in 

[Helencus]

Lol now there's a thought!

[Brucklay]

I'm going to enjoy reading this one!!!

[faith0504]

good luck with this, hope it all goes well for you, i think by the end of the week someone will be in touch 

[starcana]

errr, hang on a minute.Are you saying you can't just dig out a pond in a field, cos that's what we're planning to do - well large pond, small lake call it what you will. About 50ft by 80ft, once we know that there's enough water at the level we needto keep it full. Should we be doing/telling someone/something else?

[Hermit]

We have planted loads of willow for privacy, I find the Alaskan grows the quickest Shame I cant grow evergreens Good luck with your pond. I love winding neighbours up.We have tidy police here, they are always telling newcomers how to do their garden etc.In the last gales we had a shed come down next to a road , we are letting it lie there cause it annoys them soooooo much.

[doganjo]

errr, hang on a minute.Are you saying you can't just dig out a pond in a field, cos that's what we're planning to do - well large pond, small lake call it what you will. About 50ft by 80ft, once we know that there's enough water at the level we needto keep it full. Should we be doing/telling someone/something else?

If you want to stay within the planning laws, yes; you'd maybe better check them out.

[Hilarysmum]

ANYTHING hole-like with water added causes genuine police visits here  ..... honestly I am not joking.

The wildlife you are going to get though will far outweigh any difficulties with neighbours that you may incur.  May your pond always be full of water and interest!!!!

[Sylvia]

Good luck to you and tell your neighbours to get a life!!! Try planting the willow bough, it may take root

[Helencus]

Willow was what I'd planned along there view line so think I might see if it roots.
 Im braced again today as we spread some of the topsoil on the field and seeded it and a local farmer is coming to roll it.. Oh yes a 2 ton roller going past their house into my field should stir them up!
Seriously though who needs it.. Why do some people move to the countryside then object to farm machinery and livestock? These folks complained about the noise from my cockerel too. I mean get a bloody life why don't you, if you dont like it sod off back to the city.