First Mudhole, welcome. You nave beautiful place, and I'm sure you'll get lot's of help.

Be patient with the pond and it will be fine. You obviously have too many LMB for the forge base, and luckily, that's curable with a rod and reel.

As far as the pond, it looks like you have trees growing out of the back of the dam, and those should probably be removed.

Since your initial plans are to refurb the buildings, I would try to keep management of your pond a fun thing. Burning brush piles, fishing, new plantings, can all be done as time permits, and enjoyed by the whole family. Then, when you're ready to really start you're pond goals, you'll be ready to go.

Good luck, and congratulations on a fine place.

AL