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The Four Ponds at Burton Agnes Hall

By David Marshall
From the Ryedale Reporter, May 2005. Ryedale Aquarist Society, North Yorkshire, England
All photos © David Marshall
Aquarticles

The quiet East Yorkshire village of Burton Agnes lies only a few miles to the west of the well known seaside resort of Bridlington. As the guide tells her visitors 'Burton Agnes Hall is unique among stately homes as it encompasses so many fads, construction designs and beautiful craftsmanship from so many eras of British history.' Although delving into the supernatural holds no interest to Sue and me the Hall also has the reputation as the 'most haunted residence in Yorkshire.'

When you add the beauty of the grounds surrounding the Hall, its walled gardens, plants sales area, craft shop, pets corner, outdoor games area, resident artist and quality cafeteria (don't request a large salad as this is a 'vegetable garden on a plate') you have the makings of an excellent day out.

But what is there here of interest to the aquarist? The answer comes in the form of four outdoor ponds.

Pond to the west of the Hall

The first of these is situated to the west of the Hall. A small number of goldfish enjoy the luxury of a pond that is teeming with Elodea plants. To add a quaint touch the brass fountain feeding this pond comes in the form of a smiling fish.

The large pond

The second, and largest, pond is situated amid a lawn to the east of the main building. This pond was built on three levels. The first level, which is also the deepest, is raised and home to a large (and very old) Yamabuki Ogon koi, a couple of deeply coloured koi and a variety of goldfish. The second, and longest level, houses several Israeli Showa koi who share their home with some beautiful golden rudd. The third level is best seen during the month of July as it is not only home to a number of naturally coloured rudd but has a large planting of water lilies.

Old Yamabuki Ogon koi

Sanke koi

As the filtration system for all three levels is only run on a minimal basis there are times when the water appears a little silted, as you will notice from the photographs, so you do have to command a little patience in order to view all of the various fish species. The heron featured on the photograph of this pond is not the 'real thing' but a plastic deterrent aimed at keeping members of the local heron population away from indulging in a fish breakfast.

Although this is only a presumption none of the levels of this pond would appear to be of a depth to allow for the successful overwintering of the fish species they hold so these fish must be removed and placed elsewhere during the colder months of the year?

The third pond

The third pond is situated within the beautiful walled garden area and is home to a small number of common goldfish. This is the pond which Sue would like to have at home.

Nature pond

Finally comes a newly installed nature pond complete with wooden structures and platforms ideal for frogs and toads. If I had one complaint it is that the amount of water filtered through the model elephant's trunk is actually running too fast to encourage the presence of amphibians.

For visitors wishing to view the interior of the Hall a small entrance fee is charged. The craftsmanship on display is stunning with an art collection dating from the Middle Ages through to modern times. Entrance into the gardens and other areas mentioned earlier also commands a small charge. To find the Hall follow the A614 from Bridlington or the A166 from the York by-pass to join the A614 at Driffield. Sue asks me to note that the entrance lane is situated on a rather blind corner.

Burton Agnes Hall may not immediately spring to mind as a place of aquatic interest but is well worth a visit.