A pond is a fascinating habitat to study yet in the last century the UK has lost more than a million ponds through modern farming methods and building works.

As the nation’s ponds disappear so does the wildlife that live in them and a number of pondlife species like the Great-Crested Newt and Natt are now on the official list of rare species. With a few practical steps, everyone can help ponds and their wildlife. Firstly, you can investigate your local area to discover if any ‘wild ponds’ need some care and attention. Alternatively, if you think a pond is a victim of disregard, perhaps you could get a group together to restore it, or contact the organisations listed below for help and guidance.

*Remember to take care as ponds can be very deep, so never go it alone*

Another way to help develop native wetland biodiversity in this country is to create your own pond. At least 80 percent of Britain’s ponds can be found in private gardens or school grounds.

Environmental and animal friendly ponds should follow these simple steps:

• Create a pond with a sloping edge so that animals can easily get in and out of the water
• Place pond-side rocks and logs beside the water to provide a hibernating area for amphibians
• Non-native pond plants like floating pennywort can become a problem if they invade other water courses, so stick to native species
• Keep the pond ice-free in winter by leaving a floating object on the surface to create an air hole

For more information about wetland habitats contact:

English Nature
Telephone 01733 455 000

Lancashire, Manchester & North Merseyside Wildlife Trust
Telephone 01772 324 129