Results published today from the UK’s Countryside Survey 2007 show that good quality, wildlife-rich ponds have gone from many parts of the countryside. The survey was commissioned by Defra and NERC, and carried out by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.
Countryside Survey 2007 includes the world’s first national survey of the condition of ponds.
The results show that only 8% of ponds are currently in good condition and that the biological quality of lowland ponds went down between 1996 and 2007.
Dr Jeremy Biggs, Pond Conservation Director Policy and Research said 'although ponds may seem insignificant compared to rivers and lakes, ponds have as much variety of wildlife as the larger freshwater habitats, and provide a refuge for many endangered plants and animals. Many uncommon and sensitive freshwater plants and animals depend on ponds, so this decline in their condition may pose a serious threat to the UK’s freshwater wildlife.'
Countryside Survey 2007 found that the number of ponds in Britain has gone up by 11% since 1998. This begins to redress the historic loss of ponds that took place in the last century, but we don’t know how many of these new ponds will provide the clean, unpolluted water that is essential for keeping ponds in good condition in the long term.
Pond Conservation are coordinating the major Million Ponds project to bring clean water back to the landscape The first phase will make 5000 new clean-water ponds in the next four years. Million Ponds is a partnership, strongly supported by the Environment Agency, Natural England, Countryside Council for Wales and also the Defence Estates and Ministry of Justice.
For more information contact Ruth Welters, Communications Manager ruthwelters@pondconservation.org.uk
01865 483114
