If left, many ponds will dry up naturally.

In some cases species can become extinct if certain ponds do not remain in the landscape.

Second Life for Ponds will investigate how wildlife reacts to pond restoration and pond creation efforts. 

The project will contribute to our national understanding of ponds and wetlands, and how species react to human activities relating to pond management.

For some ponds swamp vegetation is being dug by hand by fleets of hard-working volunteers.

This breakthrough project (funded by SITA) is being carried out at Hampton Nature Reserve, Peterborough.

How does the project work?

The project began in October 2008 and at its completion in 2010 will deliver three specific objectives:

• To restore selected ponds using the most suitable techniques.

• To evaluate different techniques of pond restoration by comparing their effectiveness and any side- effects for non-target fauna and flora.

• To effectively disseminate the results and encourage land managers to use proved techniques on their sites.

What species will the project work with? 

Bearded Stonewort Chara canescens and other stoneworts have been chosen as indicator species for the project. This is because most of the species within this group favour initial stages of pond succession (up to a maximum of 15-25 years).

The success of pond restoration will be judged against population studies of other species including water beetles, newts, water voles and birds, such as reed bunting.  

Find out more about the innovative techniques that Second Life for Ponds will use.

For more information:

Daniel Piec, Head of Conservation
email: click here to email

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