A POOLE company that was flooded when a neighbouring pond overflowed in 2011 has now “adopted” the nature reserve.

Fleetsbridge-based Hamworthy Heating is operating a pondwatch at Hatch Pond, home to an array of wildlife, including mute swans, great crested grebes and bitterns.

The company, which makes commercial boilers, has teamed up with the Borough of Poole to help with basic maintenance such as litter picking. Staff are also taking on responsibility for watering an oak tree planted by children from Canford Heath Middle School to mark the Queen’s diamond jubilee.

Bob Walsh, the company’s technical director and head of the corporate social responsibility committee, said: “One of the objectives of our plan is to give back to the area that we work in.

“Supporting Hatch Pond was high on our list of priorities – even though it caused us a bit of trouble a couple of years ago when it burst its bank, flooding the car park up to our knees.

“Most of our staff like taking their lunch at the pond to enjoy the views and the diverse wildlife, which is surprising in such an urban area, so we are happy to donate our time to give it a little tender loving care.”

Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for a prosperous and sustainable Poole, said: “We were very pleased to hear that Hamworthy Heating wanted to offer their support and find out ways in which they could help to care for Hatch Pond.

“Every individual can make a difference by helping to look after the areas in which they work and live.”

Plans are in the pipeline for the Hamworthy Heating staff to meet with the town’s natural habitats supervisor, Terry Elborn, who will help develop their knowledge of the beauty spot on their doorstep.