A CANNABIS plant, 1950s bus stop sign, and a replica samurai sword were among an eclectic collection of 'relics' found in Big Mead pond.
The discoveries were made during work to remove an estimated 300 tons of mud and silt from the Shanklin site.
A digger had been brought in last week, as part of a project to restore the historic pond to its former glory.
Councillor Adrian Whittaker said the cannabis plant was initially thought to be a hemp plant, and was found growing against a wall.
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Also found onsite was a King George V penny, dating back to 1805, and a gold ring with a faint engraving on the inside, whose original owner is now being sought.
A collection of Hindu curios were similarly unearthed.
Cllr Whittaker said he was advised by a local Hindu practice to return them to the pond as they were, face up.
Other, more contemporary items were discovered during the dig — a kitchen knife, two unopened bottles of gin, and a bank card which expired in 2015.
Cllr Whittaker, who confessed he got stuck in the mud at one stage, said there was so much heritage and history in the pond.
Two weeks prior, the community had rallied round to save 152 fish from the pond, which was losing water and starved of oxygen during a heatwave.
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- Isle of Wight pond fundraiser as fish rescued by volunteers
- Digger at Isle of Wight's Big Mead pond to remove mud and silt
Just shy of £2,000 is needed to cover the work, and a fundraising page was set up to raise the money.
The fundraising link can be found by clicking here.
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