People have been asking about the new ponds in the park. When first dug, they did look rather raw, although even now just a few months later, they mounds of clay spoil surrounding the ponds are starting to green out. Richard has kindly sent us some photos of how a newly created pond develops over the first six years or so of its life and I share those here. 
The stream area in the meadow (as currently is) east of the railway embankment (known on maps as Longfields meadow) was planted with aquatic plants a month or so back, and by mid summer I think the rather naked gravel as it is now will be also augmented with some nice stream-side plants.
As with many aspects of landscaping (and gardening), the excitement and anticipation can take a little while to achieve maturity. Try to imagine what things will look like in a years time, rather than necessarily how they look like when new!