Historic Cornwall Swimming Pond Set for Restoration

Plans are underway to restore a historic swimming pond on the Antony Estate in Cornwall, UK. The Carew Pole Garden Trust, Torpoint Artists Collective, and Rooted Futures have formed a partnership to bring the late 18th-century bath house pond back into community use and improve access to nature.

The project, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, involves specialists assessing the pond's current state. They are examining how to clear the water, address tree maintenance needs, and better understand the tidal inlet and water flow through the site.

The bath pond and its accompanying bath house were originally designed by Thomas Parlby and commissioned by Reginald Pole Carew, who sought a swimming spot within the estate's woodland along the River Lynher. The bath house itself included a sunken pool for ladies.

Over time, the pond transitioned from a swimming area to a decorative garden feature. Leaf litter and sediment accumulated, making it unsuitable for swimming. Sir Tremayne Carew Pole, the current resident, expressed a long-held desire to restore the pond for swimming and community benefit.

Creativity and Community Focus

The restoration initiative aims to create "a welcoming community resource where people can connect with green and blue space, discover the natural environment and contribute to the long-term care of a valued local landscape." Education, creativity, and community involvement are central to the project's ethos. The Torpoint Artists Collective plans to organize workshops focusing on wildlife recording, photography, and nature journaling.

Individuals interested in the pond's future, including open-water swimmers and nature enthusiasts, are invited to share their feedback and volunteer. A 'Friends of the Pond' group will be established to guide the site's long-term care and utilization, incorporating local knowledge and practical skills.