Reeds, plants... dredge or not?

[John Sankus]

The pond is a sort of a run-off, from a larger fishing pond (roach, chub, carp etc) to the stream which eventually flows into the river Brid and then to the sea... but the pond is becoming filled with reeds and before long, they'll meet in the middle, it'll silt up, and that will be that. The pond teems with wildlife - frogs, newts, sticklebacks, water scorpions, diving beetles, eels, dragonflies, etc etc... I really think I should start cutting away some plants from the bank and pulling some reeds - but I don't really want to murder anything.. Should I wait, or do it now?
Any advice or suggestions greatly appreciated

 

[AlyssaFish]

Seems unlikely that you'll be able to clear that out without killing any of the insects no matter when you do it, but if you're careful (work slowly) I think the fish and amphibians should be okay.

But I'm definitely no expert on wildlife ponds, or wildlife generally!

 

[John Sankus]

Thank you I'll leave a semi circle around the far end but clear what can be seen from the house... hopefully there'll be enough for the various creepies to keep a hold of...

 

[addy1]

If you make enough noise splashing etc, they will run from you. If worried about pulling stuff up with the roots, squish in some water, the critters will fall into the water.

 

[IPA]

They, the reeds, certainly aren’t harming the environment, basically you have a super filter going.

 

[Lisak1]

No time like the present! All those critters have figured out how to survive this far... they'll survive you tromping around and pulling stuff up. Good luck - that looks to be quite the project!

 

[John Sankus]

They, the reeds, certainly aren’t harming the environment, basically you have a super filter going.

I don't really like disturbing anything, but a year ago the centre of the pond was clear... eventually there will be no room for the water and that will be that until it is completely cleared and restarted