The South Yorkshire Ponds Project is a joint initiative between Pond Conservation, Sheffield Wildlife Trust and the South Yorkshire Biodiversity Forum. We have two staff, Bob Eades (Freshwater Surveyor) and Chris Monk (Project Officer), based at the Sheffield Wildlife Trust offices.
Sheffield Wildlife Trust has recently received a grant to undertake further work by the project across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield. The project has been funded by Biffaward a multi-million pound environment fund managed by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (RSWT), which utilises landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services.
The project is being carried out by the Trust in partnership with Pond Conservation and the co-operation of various landowners in South Yorkshire. Detailed scientific surveys will be undertaken on a selection of ponds across the area, followed by practical works to restore or enhance their value. Previously dried out or silted up ponds will be restored and vital management work to benefit wildlife will be undertaken on others.
A previous phase of the pond project was funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, the SITA Trust through their Enriching Nature Programme and the Environment Agency. We carried out surveys and some pond management works across the area. It also produced a map of the location of ponds across South Yorkshire to identify Important Areas for Ponds, to see where there are opportunities for further pond construction, carry out pond restoration projects and identify funding opportunities for pond management. This was achieved by research, field surveys, consultation and by engagement with local wildlife and community groups.
How you can help or get involved
This is an opportunity for you to support the project by providing records and local knowledge. If you know of a pond in the project area, please let us know.
Any information you have will be valuable - you can also download the local Pond Survey Form for South Yorkshire and return it to Bob at bobeades@pondconservation.org.uk or by post to the address on the form.
There will also be a variety of opportunities to get involved in the project by attending training and community events we will be running in 2010. For those interested in volunteering, you can assist in data collection, learning how to survey a pond or help with some of the pond restoration work. There will also be support and advice available for local communities to help people raise funds for any pond maintenance work required or to increase further community involvement. For further information or if you would like to become involved, please contact the Project officers Chris Monk or Bob Eades on 01142 792669.
Hexthorpe Ings
Hexthorpe Ings beside the River Don near Doncaster is an important wetland site.
In 2009 the project created 3 shallow pools, which are already important for water beetles and amphibians.
Sheffield Wildlife Trust
The Wildlife Trust is the largest environmental charity in Sheffield and Rotherham, working to promote the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the local area.
South Yorkshire Biodiversity Forum
This is led by the South Yorkshire Biodiversity Co-ordinator Ed Santry, (based at the Sheffield Wildlife Trust) with representatives from the local authorities in South Yorkshire, Natural England, the Environment Agency and interest groups including the Wildlife Trusts, Campaign to Protect Rural England and the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group.
South Yorkshire Ponds Project
Supported by
