2023 - What I did today

I've been carrying out an archaeological dig in the old pond, working my way down through the layers
Top layer - gravel and sediment.
Layer 2. - Pond liner
Layer 3 - some sort of fabric to protect the underside of the liner.
Layer 4 - bubblewrap
Layer 5 - carpet
Layer 6 - a big red rug that used to be in the hall! Never thought I'd see it again.
Not sure what lies beneath the rug - I think its a pine table top!! Maybe tomorrow I'll find out.

The gravel has to be constantly raked around the pond because it weighs down the other stuff which needs to be removed.
I've also found a metal "Rat" and a stone tortoise that had fallen in the pond.
The pond liner has been spread out on the grass to dry the mud and the dogs think its just for them to play on. They've been chasing each other round in circles on it.

I've no idea where I'm going to find enough soil to refill the pond, Its deeper than I remembered.

Could you fill the hole lasagne style? Or like a hugelkultur mound that just comes up to surface level? I suspect you've got lots of woody bits dotted about that you can chuck in. It will sink over the years, but that can be a problem for future years unless you are planning to put a greenhouse on top!

That's exactly my plan, Pros.  I'm going to "floor" it with wood/logs and throw in anything that comes along during the year - grass cuttings, frazzled weeds, shredded paper and cardboard - like a BIG Hotbin. Hopefully, it'll be usable by next spring