Hi,
It sounds like you have the same stuff I've had (or possibly still do). They hold quite a lot of air, so when it dries out in the sun they disintegrate into almost nothing. Tend to gather around oxygenators. Could not find anything on the internet about it, but did find an algae expert in Edinburgh who invited me to send some up. He identified it as a blue-green algae (not the poisonous kind), and has something to do with the oxygenators. He did give a rather complicated way of eradicating it which involves changing the sediment in the pond (as that is where it all stored waiting for the next blooming opportunity). And then you can't guarantee it won't find its way back the same way it got there in the first place (probably on birds feet). It seemed like a lot to do for so little return, and I do like the fact our pond has quite an array of bugs and things thanks to sediment. So I have spent the last three summers pulling up the oxygenators in the pond that have got the algae on it and sticking it in the compost heap--quite a lot of it. I have been brutal. Have to wait though to make sure the newts have hatched. Also catching globules in nets and getting rid of it. It does disappear when it turns cold again. In the early winter I have also thinned out the oxygenators in the pond (this was advised by the expert, and I have also heard that when there isn't sun, oxygenators don't do their job). This thinning out does seem to involve wetsuit and spanning a ladder across the pond, and giggles from husband and daughter. This year no sign of the globby things, but have blanket weed again (which was virtually absent over the last three years when I have had the globby ones). Very pleased to see the blanket weed, and much more satisfying to clear out! Noticed too, that blanket weed always seem to have living things in it, but this globby stuff doesn't. Lucky you with newts by the way--what kind are they? In Devon it seems we get palmate newts, but down the road there are some great crested who I hope will get adventurous.... But as you have noticed, with wildlife ponds, one is never in control!! have fun ponding, and welcome to the site! chip |
