Monument record 68/1/2 - Duck Decoy Pond, 200m south-east of Marsh Bridge

<1> Capstick B, 1981-1987, Field Monument Warden Report, Capstick B 1987 (Unpublished Report). SCH1222.

Pentagonal ditched enclosure of c.3 acres, formed by a moat 15 ft wide and 5- 6 ft deep. This contains a bank of woodland up to 75 yds wide which surrounds the decoy pond with five regularly spaced curving arms. Remains of the decoy pipes survive. Date-stone inscribed R.C.1638 (last figure weathered) set into brick-lined dock on N side of pond. Site remodelled in 1740 by the Skelton Bros.

<2> Williams SR, 1970s-1980s, Rhys Williams' Aerial Photographs, 3.0214 & 3.0216-8, 1981-3 (Aerial Photograph). SCH4607.

<3> Dugdale T, The Curiosities of Great Britain (Book). SCH3114.

<4> Galloway P, The Book of Decoys (Book). SCH3060.

<5> Farrer W & Brownbill J, 1906-14, The Victoria County History of the County of Lancaster, Vol 2, p.485-7, 1908 (Book). SCH3636.

The word 'decoy' is an abbreviation of the dutch words 'Ende-kooy' or duck's cage representative of the cage of nets into which wild-fowl were driven and caught. The Hale decoy is located on a small peninsula on the bank of the River Mersey almost opposite Runcorn. In 1854, the decoy was much improved by Colonel Ireland Blackburne who came from Orford Hall to live at Hale Hall. The decoy is some five acres with a pool of one acre and five radiating creeks or 'pipes', it is surrounded by a water-filled moat, circa 18 feet wide and crossed by a small footbridge. The pipes bend away from the pool so the ends are out of view of the pool; they are covered in netting stretched over dome-shaped wooden frames. On the left of the pipe is a path for the dog to run when decoying the wild fowl.

<6> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), SAM 27581 (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

<7> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), SAM 27581 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.

Outside bank stands to height of 2m above marsh & averages 10m in width at base. Each side is 120m long. Outside ditch is 5m wide & 2m deep. Inside bank is narrow path with drains taking overflow water to outfall on east side. Pond is roughly 90m across. Each pipe is 50m long, 8m wide & tapered at end. Stil covered by remains of iron hoops to support nets. Pipes were of brick with clay bottom. Area enclosed 1.8 ha. Small brick-built hut on island is later addition. Present footbridge may be on site of earlier one.

<8> Cockbain R, Fisher C, 1988, Hale Duck Decoy Nature Reserve (Booklet-Leaflet). SCH9498.

<9> Friends of Pickering Pasture, Friends of Pickering Pasture, http://www.thefriendsofpickeringspasture.org.uk/the-flood-1990.html (Web Site). SCH9499.

In February 1990 the decoy was flooded with salt water caused by the combination of a high tide and north-westerly gale, causing damage to the monument and wildlife there-in. Following this, in the summer of 1990, the central pond was dredged, and in March 1991, the moat was dredged, placing the mud on the banks increasing their height by circa 3 feet.

<10> Friends of Pickering Pasture, Friends of Pickering Pasture, http://www.thefriendsofpickeringspasture.org.uk/restoration.html (Web Site). SCH9499.

Consolidation and restoration works were undertaken at the decoy site between 2001-3 with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Works included dredging of the moat; clearance and de-silting of outdrain channels; repairs to outfall pipe and tidal flap leading to the Ramsbrook; maintenance and selective reconstruction of the five 'pipes' including repairs to metal hoops and wooden side screens, one pipe was reconstructed in traditional piping in hazel/willow; repairs to boardwalk and swing bridge; provision of interpretation panels; repair/upgrade of the Game Keeper's Cottage; re-planting of the site. Additional grants in 2004 led to further upgrade of the Game Keeper's cottage and educational facilities, also replacement of the swing bridge.

<11> English Heritage, Various, Scheduled Monument Consent Letter, 14/02/1992; 30/05/2001 (Written Communication). SCH2963.

Scheduled monument consent letters pertaining to restoration/consolidation/re-planting works at the decoy in 1990-2, following the February 1990 floods; also, for the following restoration project in the early 2000s.

<12> Historic England, Heritage at Risk Register, List entry 39568 (Web Site). SCH9500.

Included on HAR List in 2018 due to risk from local flooding.

<13> Cheshire Historic Environment Record, 1989, Jill Collens' Aerial Photographs, 6.0564-5 (Aerial Photograph). SCH9711.