We aim to
Create Ponds
Ponds are tremendous for biodiversity. On our own project, we were lucky in having a slope and heavy soil – ideal conditions for digging ponds.
Ponds need to hold a certain amount of water to harbour aquatic species, but you don’t need to get too hung up on this – ponds that partially, or even completely, dry up are very valuable.
Wet ground can be at least as valuable as open water. So we don’t automatically dig out wet areas to create ponds, we like to keep lots of wet ground too.
WHEN WE DIG PONDS OUR AIM IS TO INCREASE BIODIVERSITY:
It’s not just about getting a digger and excavating holes!
We decide at the start where the water level will be and what sets it.
We always include an overflow so that in storm conditions, banks don’t get overtopped.
We aim to dig lots of small, independent ponds, rather than one big one.
We include lots of shallow water, with a refuge of some that is deeper.
We don’t use liners unless there is absolutely no alternative, and then we may use it just to line a refuge area.
We don’t plant our ponds – aquatic plants move in incredibly quickly without any help.
We aim to introduce dead wood and brash, both as perches and for invertebrate habitat
In our fields, we dug 15 ponds in two weeks. Some dry up completely in the summer, others retain water. The shallows are where most of the life is.
Apart from increasing biodiversity, these ponds are storing water and helping to reduce flooding.
Find out more
Floral diversity
Increasing Roughness
Planting & Natural Regeneration
Wet Ground