Why we need ponds
Ponds are familiar features for many of us either on village greens or standing proudly within the countryside. But do you know why ponds are such an important part of our environment?
Ponds are small bodies of water that are not connected to other water bodies such as streams and lakes – they are only fed by rain or groundwater. Most ponds are ‘artificial’, which means that they were created by man rather than naturally. Years ago, ponds were dug out to provide marl, to create a water source for livestock, or for washing working horses. Other ponds formed in bomb craters, were dug for aesthetic reasons or, as we are doing today, made specifically for wildlife. Interestingly, the term pond also refers to those that dry up in summertime as these areas can still support a wide variety of plants and insects.
As part of the NLOW project, we have been digging ponds on farmland in Little Thetford and Willingham, and in villages, including at the Old Recreation Ground in Wicken and the Old Recreation Ground in Cottenham. Ponds provide a natural habitat for so many species of flora and fauna and according to research by the Freshwater Habitats organisation, host more invertebrate species than rivers as well as a great number of rare species.
Ponds are great for the environment
Ponds are a great indicator of an area’s environmental health. Amphibians, often found in British ponds, have semi-permeable skin that allows for gas exchange. This means that these creatures will absorb whatever they come in contact with so they are incredibly susceptible to illness and death if exposed to pollutants in the water. If a pond has amphibians present, there’s a good chance that the pond and neighbouring environment is healthy.
One way to boost the health of a pond is to encourage native plants. These are known to soak up excess nutrients and remove environmental pollutants that seep into the pond.
Farmland Ponds
High quality freshwater ponds in farmed landscapes are really important for a wide range of native invertebrates and arable birds such as lapwing, as the water attracts insects for food. Migrating birds, such as the threatened turtle dove that arrives here from sub-Saharan Africa each spring are often very dehydrated on landing. They rely on ponds for water and it’s even better when the pond is surrounded by tall, thick hedgerows and areas of scrub that are perfect for nesting.
The NLOW team worked hard with landowners and ecologists to identify areas where new ponds could be created. These were carefully considered to create ‘stepping stones’ of water between the two largest water bodies in the NLOW area: Wicken Fen and Ouse Fen. Before digging started, environmental assessments were undertaken to check for existing native species such as the great crested newt and water voles, and of course, ongoing conversations with landowners were an integral way to ensure that the pond added value to the area.
Last year, the NLOW team worked closely with the landowner and his contractors to dig two ponds at Bedwell Hey Farm, Little Thetford. The first was a 100m2 shallow banked corner pond on a site that was damp and hard to cultivate. This meant that the pond would offer maximum benefit to wildlife at minimum cost to food production. The majority of this pond was shallow marginal draw down habitat with a gently sloping gradient between 3-10 cm in depth, making it the perfect site for a wide diversity of plants and animal species. The gentle gradient allows for easy access to reptiles, amphibians and birds whilst nearby wildflower seed sources make it even more attractive to birds, including turtle doves.
A second 70m pond was dug alongside a catchwater. This pond incorporated two distinct shelves: one at summer water level, another at winter water level. This design will help encourage the broadest range of aquatic plants and beetles, many marginal plants, and most aquatic beetles and other invertebrates. Again, it features a shallow bank, allowing easy access for wildlife.
Work at Queenholme Farm in Willingham also included the creation of a new pond. The original intention was to extend an existing pond but advice from the ecologists showed that this would risk damaging the pond’s species assemblage. A new pond was dug as a replacement project featuring shallow sides to allow easy access to water and a range of shallow water depths. Both ponds are in an area known to be used by turtle doves, which will now benefit from access to a further water source during the breeding season.
Digging a pond in your garden
Ponds are a great way to attract wildlife to your garden and of course, they create an attractive feature too.
If you would like to dig a pond in your own garden, here is a handy step-by-step guide: https://freshwaterhabitats.org.uk/pond-clinic/create-pond/make-garden-pond/
Remember that your pond should have shallow sloping sides with plenty of escape routes for animals all the way round the edge. Placing rocks, large stones or ladders can help hedgehogs escape should they tumble into the water whilst drinking. Hedgehogs are good swimmers but can drown if they can’t find an escape route and get tired. Submerged logs are another great feature and are perfect for insects such as dragonflies to lay eggs upon.
Just be aware and keep your pond free from overhanging trees and bushes as the leaves could be poisonous if they fall into the water.
Ponds provide valuable support for wildlife
We all remember as children searching for tadpoles and watching them develop their hind legs. Tadpoles love shallow water as does most other pond-life and this allows children of all ages to explore and learn more about nature.
When you are next out and about – spend time at your local pond and see what you can find. Children may like our Wildlife living near water worksheet and our Pond Dipping ID sheet to help identify what they see.
If you spot anything interesting, why not take a photograph and share it with us either on social media with the #NewLifeOldWest or send it to Olivia at info@oldlifenewwest.org.uk
Did you know? Ponds provide a home for or support nearly all of the NLOW 25 flagship species, showing just how important they are! These include the Common Toad (Bufa Bufa), Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus), King Diving Beetle (Dytiscus dimidiatus), Greater Water-parsnip (Sium latifolium), Water-violet (Hottonia palustris), Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae), Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius – remember voles like deeper ponds!), Grass Snake (Natrix natrix), Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator) (large ponds), Common Crane (Grus grus), Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur), and Daubenton’s bat (Myotis daubentoniid).
If you’d like to become a volunteer, join a training session or help improve local habitat working with wildlife experts, please get in touch via info@newlifeoldwest.org.uk