Hi Becky,

Thank you for reaching out and for the kind words! Managing a nature reserve is vital work, and keeping those pond banks tidy without disturbing the wildlife—or risking the safety of your team—is a common challenge.

Steep banks near water are notoriously difficult for traditional mowers. Since your old Flymo worked well due to its ability to handle uneven ground, you have two excellent modern directions you could take:

1. The Robotic Route: Mammotion Luba 3 AWD
If you are open to a "set it and forget it" approach, I highly recommend looking at a robotic mower specifically designed for extreme terrain, such as the Mammotion Luba 3 AWD.

The Luba series is a game-changer for nature reserves:

All-Wheel Drive: It is built to handle incredibly steep slopes (up to 38 degrees), which is far beyond what most standard mowers can manage safely.
No Perimeter Wire: It uses advanced satellite navigation (RTK-GNSS) and vision systems, so you don't have to worry about burying wires around the pond.
Safety & Wildlife: It is extremely quiet and eliminates the risk of a person slipping on the steep, potentially damp banks. It can also be programmed to avoid certain areas or times to protect local fauna.

2. The Lightweight Cordless Route: Worx WG737E 40V
If you prefer a manual mower that is lightweight and robust, the Worx WG737E 40V Cordless Lawnmower is a fantastic choice. It’s much more suited to your needs than a corded model and handles uneven ground very well.

PowerShare Battery System: One of the biggest advantages for a charity is that the Worx batteries are part of the PowerShare platform. This means the same batteries used in the mower can be used in over 75 other Worx tools (like strimmers, leaf blowers, or hedge trimmers) that you might need for the reserve later on.
Lightweight & Robust: It is designed to be easy to maneuver on slopes while being tough enough for the varied terrain of a nature reserve.
40V Power: By using two 20V batteries simultaneously, it provides the high torque needed to manage the thicker grass often found near water.

Find the Perfect Match
To help you narrow down the exact specifications for your pond area—taking into account the 40m x 20m size and the specific incline—I’ve developed a tool that can help you filter through the best options currently on the market.

You can try it here: https://easylawnmowing.co.uk/find-the-best-lawnmower/

Given the charity's needs, I’d suggest looking for models that prioritise "slope capability" and "battery compatibility."

I hope this helps you get those banks back in shape safely!

Regards,

Mark