SDO20978 - Morden Bog NNR Decoy Pond and Overnight Shelter. Archaeological Survey and Condition Assessment

‘This project recorded the scheduled monument of Morden duck decoy to HE Level 3, which included making a record of both the shelter and pond. These are now in a poor condition and are on the HAR Register with a declining condition. This recording, and a programme of desk‐based research, enhance understanding of the monument and the wider landscape. The shelter and pond were constructed by the Drax family in 1724 and became disused in 1856. They were part of a wider complex including an outer pond and a decoyman’s house which were not part of this study but which were recorded and investigated to an extent in order to provide context for this study. The significance of the monument is enhanced by this body of historical information, and the rare survival of the pond and its associated features. The shelter is currently in a ruinous condition with only partially extant elevations, and the roof has collapsed. The pond can no longer be understood in its original form and function and is overgrown with vegetation with only shallow areas of open water remaining. Both require restoration and the options for this are evaluated in the recommendations section of this report. It is recommended that the shelter and pond are restored and the shelter repurposed as a bird hide so that the public can appreciate wildfowl on the restored pond. The proposed recommendations, whilst restoring the site, will potentially cause some harm. For example, the pond sediments might hold significant palaeoenvironmental information that will be lost. Consideration therefore needs to be given by Natural England and Historic England to the options, and appropriate investigations and watching briefs undertaken prior to works.’