A dipping platform at the Large Pond was included in the original formation works. This platform was popular with visitors feeding waterfowl but was not a practical design for pond dipping activities. This problem grew worse when the surface level of the Large Pond began to shrink back during spring through to late autumn. Vandalism and minimal maintenance further diminished its value.

FoCW actively encourage learning opportunities for youngsters and this facility was not providing the benefit required. Broxtowe Borough Council helped by installing boards above the pond outfall cill level as a means of raising the maximum water level and thus retains suitable water depth further into the early summer.

In 2007, Broxtowe implemented a program of urban environmental improvements in the Lower Beauvale area. They successfully applied for a grant from WREN that included provision of a new dipping platform at Colliers Wood. Groundworks Greater Nottingham was appointed to design the structure and to appoint and supervise a contractor for the installation work. The landscape architect Chrisee Tinsley and her team worked hard to interpret the FoCW requirements into a robust, attractive, practical design.

On Saturday 17th May 2008 the new platform was officially opened with our first public pond dipping day. The original platform will be retained until the maintenance/repair costs make its removal advisable. Both platforms form a valuable educational resource for local schools and community groups to assess what is thriving under and on the surface of the Large Pond water.