EXPERT ADVICE |
Creating the ultimate... farmland wildlife pond
50%
Jess Brooks is our farmland biodiversity advisor for south- ern England and has in-depth knowledge of terrestrial and freshwater habitats.
ell-managed ponds support a vast range of wildlife, including aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, pollinating insects, amphibians, reptiles, bats, wetland plants, farmland birds and mammals. Pond creation and restoration are hot topics, because over the last century the majority of farmland ponds have been lost or degraded due to changing agricultural practices. Where possible, site your pond near to similar habitats such as existing ponds, ditches and wetlands. A low-input setting is best for pond creation, but if sited in an arable or improved grassland field, make sure the pond is buffered from inputs such as fertiliser and pesticides. Dig a ‘test pit’ if you are unsure of the soil drainage properties, but avoid connecting a wildlife pond to running water, as it can introduce pollutants and quickly fill up the pond with silt. If you want your pond to deliver other services in addition to wildlife attraction, such as collecting run-off from risky fields, you may need to site an additional pond uphill of your clean wildlife pond to trap and treat water and soil.
W For more advice please contact us on 01425 651013.
of ponds were lost in the 20th century and 80% that remain are in a poor state.
Two- thirds
Your pond should look after itself for the first few years. Ideally aim to have a network of ponds in varying stages of development, as this supports the largest diversity of plants and animals. If you need to dredge out accumulated plant material and silt, do so in late autumn when animals have had a chance to complete their life cycle, and if it’s your only pond, leave a third or quarter untouched to retain habitat diversity. Don’t forget to leave dredged plants on the bank for a day or so before disposal, so that anything removed can scuttle back in.
of all freshwater species are supported by ponds.
As the pond fills you should start to see plants and animals colonising, but you might need to plant some native vegetation in the spring. Collect seeds or plants from nearby wet areas with the landowner’s permission, making sure to avoid protected/ invasive species. Don’t use garden centre plants as they may be contaminated with non-native species. Here are a few suggestions: • Submerged zone oxygenators: hornwort, spiked water-milfoil. • Floating surface cover: starworts, broad-leaved potamogeton. • Tall emergent cover: irises, branched bur-reed, reed canary grass. • Marginal emergent structure: water forget-me-not, watermint, brooklime, soft rush.
• Bank top: hemp agrimony, purple loosestrife, meadowsweet.
42 | GAMEWISE • SUMMER 2017
www.gwct.org.uk/advisory
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