Baffins Pond in Portsmouth
Baffins Pond, is a naturally fed pond surrounded by parkland rich in wildlife covering an area of approximately 4.35 hectares, located between Tangiers Road and Hayling Avenue in the Baffins area of Portsmouth. The park is also home to a childrens play area and tennis courts.
Baffins Pond was originally part of Baffins Farm which had occupied the location since the 12th century. During the 1930's the areas surrounding Baffins were part of the urban development spreading across Portsea Island as more housing was required for the growing population of the city. Baffins Farmhouse used to stand in the area close to the current tennis courts.
A campaign was started to ensure that Baffins Pond could survive the ensuing redevelopment and in 1938 the decision was finally made that Portsmouth Corporation would buy the site from the landowners Morey and Flowers, enabling the Corporation to protect the area, allowing it's use as a public park. The owners sold the site to Portsmouth Council for a sum of £5,500 subject to the council "undertaking to preserve the site as an open space and not to erect any buildings thereon, except pavilions or similar buildings used in connection with recreation grounds."
The pond is naturally fed from springs in the local water table, but due to the nature of the groundwater supply it is prone to silting up. In the summer months when the natural water levels drop the pond level also drops which can be dangerous for the wildlife especially the fish. To compensate for this a 100 metre deep well has been drilled below the pond which can provide an alternative water supply as required.
Baffins Pond is a great spot for birdwatching, with a variety of both resident and migratory birds frequenting the area. Here are some of the birds commonly seen at Baffins Pond:
- Mute Swans – Graceful and often seen gliding across the pond.
- Mallards – One of the most common ducks, easily recognizable by their vibrant green heads (males) and mottled brown plumage (females).
- Tufted Ducks – Black and white diving ducks with distinctive tufts on their heads.
- Coots – Black waterbirds with white beaks and foreheads, often seen paddling around the pond.
- Moorhens – Similar to coots but with red beaks and a more secretive nature, often seen near the pond edges.
- Canada Geese – Large geese with black heads and necks, a common sight around the pond.
- Greylag Geese – Recognizable by their bulky size and orange beaks.
- Herring Gulls – Large gulls frequently seen soaring above or perched near the pond.
- Black headed Gulls – Small gulls with distinctive dark heads during breeding season.
- Great Crested Grebes – Occasionally spotted, known for their elegant appearance and courtship dances.
- Pigeons and Doves – Common around the parkland areas.
- Starlings – Often seen in flocks, especially in the surrounding trees.
- Songbirds – Such as robins, blackbirds, blue tits, and great tits in the trees and bushes surrounding the pond.
The banks and island in the pond support a wide range of flora and fauna and much work has been carried out in recent years to promote and protect these areas. Just to the east of Baffins Pond is a large childrens play area with a great range of swings slides and other adventurous play equipment. There is also a fenced off tennis and multi ball sports court.
Baffins Pond is designated as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR). This status is granted by Natural England to areas that have special local wildlife or geological features and are important for both conservation and public enjoyment.
As a Local Nature Reserve, Baffins Pond benefits from protections that ensure its habitats, particularly for waterfowl and other species, are preserved and managed sustainably. The designation also promotes educational activities, encouraging the community to engage with and appreciate the natural environment.
Baffins Pond Association
The Baffins Pond Association is a group of local volunteers, originally formed by local resident George Beham, who aim to maintain and enhance Baffins Pond and area surrounding it. The association is based in the old pump house building at the eastern end of the pond. The association runs a tea shop here which is open most Saturdays from 12pm until 4pm staffed entirely by volunteers.
You can visit the Baffins Pond Association website here.
Address: 108 Hayling Avenue, Copnor, Portsmouth, P03 6ED
Telephone: 07949 729249