Cardiff Pond, Sirhowy Hill Woodlands, near Ebbw Vale
Cardiff Pond is on the Ebbw Vale side of Sirhowy Hill Woodlands. It was originally the reservoir for Number 8 Ebbw Vale Pit, which was located between Cardiff Pond and Gwaun Helyg Road. The extract from the 1902 OS map (courtesy of Gwent Archives) shows that the pit was disused by then. The pit was filled in in 1904.
Number 8 was a balance pit, which used the weight of water to raise minerals to the surface. It was probably a source of iron ore for local ironworks.
A chain with a cage attached to each end passed over a pulley wheel at the top of the mineshaft. Each cage had a water tank at the bottom.
The tank was filled at the surface to make the cage heavier than the one containing the minerals at the bottom of the shaft. The water-laden cage pulled up the other cage. The water was at the base of the shaft. This was a special technique used in South Wales, and in slate quarries in North Wales.
Today Cardiff Pond is managed by the Cardi Regeneration Project for angling, walking and exploring nature. Follow the link below for details.
There are several ponds and damp areas in Sirhowy Hill Woodlands, including Goldie Pond on the Tredegar side. These are important for wetland plants. Flowering Rush is seen at Cardiff Pond. In summer you may see dragonflies and damselflies here, including the scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly.
Grid reference: SO159103