History of Mackay's Pit
In 1987, several Parish Councillors sat down to discuss ways to restore Mackay’s Pit. The pit had been formed when soil was excavated to surface roads in the area. Sadly, it had fallen into a sad state. Silted up and overgrown with reeds.
The council decided to set up a Society. Once formed, this would work closely with the Parish Council “To promote the conservation, protection and enhancement of nature and the amenities of Swineshead (Lincolnshire) for the benefit of the public and to educate and stimulate the interest of the public in all things and areas of natural interest”. Thus, the Swineshead Enhancement Society (SES) was born. In 1988 the Society was registered as a Charity.
The Society set about raising money in the form of voluntary contributions from villagers and local businesses. It also applied for and received grants from a variety of sources including local charities. Eventually, work was carried out on Mackay’s Pit transforming it back into a village amenity.
Job done; the SES looked around for other ways of improving the village environment. To bring colour into the village ‘Swineshead in Bloom’ was started. Over the years, ongoing fund raising has enabled SES to buy planters and hanging baskets. Every year these are planted providing a colourful display around the Market Place.
Fast forward to 2015 and once again Mackay’s Pit had fallen into a sorry state. SES once again rose to the task. However, this was to be a major undertaking requiring a herculean effort and a huge amount of money.
SES volunteers swung into action. The generosity of villagers, local businesses and charities, supplemented by a variety of grants, raised tens of thousands of pounds.
The SES then worked in partnership with the Parish Council, Black Sluice IDB and the Environment Agency to renovate the Pit. Silt was dredged, reeds were cut and removed, fishing platforms were constructed. Finally, as water levels returned a variety of fish species were introduced. Mackay’s Pit was again returned to its former glory.
Swineshead Enhancement Society continues its work under the chairmanship of Mike Brookes. A small number of Trustees are bolstered by a merry band of enthusiastic volunteers. We are on the lookout for more worthy projects and keen to enlist support from more volunteers.
