Although the railways were closed in the Beeching cuts of the 1950s it was only in the early 21st century that improved links were made on these sides, being required with the development of the new flats that now overlook the park.

The loch is home to a wide variety of wildfowl, including swans, geese, coots, moorhens, mallards and herons, as well as rats.

A viewing platform and planting beds, funded by the City of Edinburgh Council and WREN, were created around the pond in the spring of 2011.

The viewing platform gives people greater access to see the wildlife and allows local schools the chance to take part in pond dipping activities.

The new planting, including yellow flag iris and water mint, will enhance the biodiversity of the pond by providing more habitats and food for the local wildlife.