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lorrayne

Fencing ideas required

Hi we start a new job in a couple of weeks working for a young couple with lots of young children, they have bought a fantastic place, but it has a large natural pond that needs to be fenced for safety reasons, the property is listed so I dont know if this will affect anything outside, the pond is probably 50/60 mtrs square any suggestions greatly appreciated.
Treacodactyl

I don't suppose electric fencing would be an appropriate suggestion. Laughing

This is what RoSPA say if it's any help:

Quote:
Fencing off the pond is only a partial solution and can often lead parents into a false sense of security. If the pond is fenced it must be of such a height and design that makes it secure, preventing access by young children. This is usually achieved with a vertical railed fence with bars no more than 100mm apart. This barrier should be at least 1.1m in height, following the safety principles of the Building Regulations. If a gate provides access it must be of a similar design to the fence and be kept locked shut. Specific swimming pool gates have been designed with extended latch mechanisms (which are out of reach of children).


From: http://www.rospa.com/leisuresafety/information/garden_pond.htm
resistance is fertile

Dig a big trench around it that any kids would fall into before they got to the lake? Very Happy
bring me sunshine

Fence a large area around the pond and keep geese there Very Happy
borischarlton

I would really struggle with this, I would consider myself as an easy going parent who is happy to see my child learn from his mistakes but a pond!!! Fill it in, I would never be able to relax with a pond and children.
Rob
Marts

resistance is fertile wrote:
Dig a big trench around it that any kids would fall into before they got to the lake? Very Happy


Make it a moat. Wink
resistance is fertile

borischarlton wrote:
I would really struggle with this, I would consider myself as an easy going parent who is happy to see my child learn from his mistakes but a pond!!! Fill it in, I would never be able to relax with a pond and children.
Rob


Weve got a great big pond, with no fencing, all the kids have learnt to swim in it, and have learnt to respect the water which I am, personally, happier about than keeping them off.

They have all had a bit of a scare at some time (which is part of learning to swim) and got over it and they are going to need this confidence if they are going to be able to surf properly without getting terrified.
Cathryn

I am kind of with R if F on this. My children have always grown up with ponds and streams of all sizes. It does mean watching them all the time when they are little but they do learn quickly.

A straightforward fence with gates and the understanding that they must always ask permission before going in would seem a good compromise.
lorrayne

Thanks for the suggestions folks - actually the idea from 'bring me sunshine' is quite good, especially as the children probably havn't had much experience of geese, will let you know how we get on.
L
Bluedog

Legally I think you need to fence it off anyway, but you will have to check with your local authority....


My advice... chestnut palisade....
marigold

I'm with RiF and Cathryn - I spend my youth mucking about in rivers and streams.

If you do take on the job of fencing it, be absolutely sure that you have met any and all legal requirements, and got them signed off by the appropriate authority, otherwise you may have a liability if anyone drowns despite the fence/gate.
RichardW

Bluedog wrote:
Legally I think you need to fence it off anyway,


I would think not. Its someones house / garden / grounds not a public access site.
Bluedog

RichardW wrote:
Bluedog wrote:
Legally I think you need to fence it off anyway,


I would think not. Its someones house / garden / grounds not a public access site.



I would check your local regulations before being so sure of that.
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