Eight derelict dew ponds have been lovingly restored and are actually thriving with new life, because of funding of over £90,000 from the South Downs Nationwide Park Belief.
After years of stagnation and dwindling water ranges on account of local weather change, eight dew ponds throughout Sussex and Hampshire are as soon as once more offering a haven for scores of fauna and flora, together with dragonflies, toads, frogs, pond skaters, water boatmen, yellowhammer, gypsywort and meadowsweet.
Work is because of begin quickly on restoring an extra two ponds, close to Emsworth, that may assist assist populations of white turtle dove.
The turnaround has been made doable by the “Pounds for Ponds” initiative, which is trying to restore round 100 dew ponds throughout the South Downs Nationwide Park and was launched precisely one 12 months in the past.
Dew ponds are synonymous with the chalk grassland of the South Downs, traditionally being dug by farmers as a watering gap for livestock and a few relationship again a number of hundred years.
Nonetheless, over many many years and on account of adjustments in farming practices, dozens of those wildlife oases have fallen into disrepair or been misplaced fully. Local weather change, with hotter, drier summers, has compounded the issue, which means these our bodies of water are extra essential than ever in offering refuge and consuming water for animals.
Jan Knowlson, Biodiversity Officer for the Nationwide Park, mentioned: “Seeing these restored dew ponds springing again to life is totally wonderful and simply exhibits how nature can flourish if given the possibility.
“There really was round 1,000 dew ponds throughout the South Downs panorama, however this quantity has fallen dramatically over the previous century.
“Restoring these our bodies of water is a very great way of tackling biodiversity loss as a result of these ponds assist nearly three quarters of all freshwater species present in lowland landscapes just like the South Downs.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has donated to make these restorations possible and we’re excited to be able to restore even more in the future. Pounds for Ponds is just one strand of the National Park’s ongoing ReNature initiative and a concerted effort over the past three years has seen huge amounts of new habitat being created including woodlands, hedgerows, wetlands and wildflower meadows.”
One of many dew ponds that has been restored is at Chantry Hill, West Sussex (earlier than and after pic under).Lead Ranger Tom Garriock not too long ago visited the fishpond and mentioned: “The pond is looking great! It has filled up nicely over the winter and is already providing a haven for wildlife. I’ve seen invertebrates such as whirligig beetles, pond skaters and water spiders on the surface of the pond, as well as farmland birds including yellowhammer and meadow pipit coming to drink. Skylark, kestrel, red kite and buzzard were much in evidence in the vicinity, and of course, the ever-curious robin!”
A fishpond at Magdalen Hill Down, close to Winchester, has additionally been given a makeover, because of a grant of £13,000 to Butterfly Conservation.
Fiona Scully, from Butterfly Conservation, mentioned: “There are already water boatmen and pond skaters whizzing about, and birds are drinking from it. It’s a lovely feature for the reserve and hugely beneficial for both wildlife and visitors.”
Over the previous 12 months alone, Kilos for Ponds has raised £200,000, which means that extra dew ponds will be restored in future funding rounds. Funding assist has come from Nationwide Lottery Heritage Fund, Bannister Belief, BMW, Swire Charitable Belief, along with scores of donations from people. As a result of restoring dew ponds is pricey, the South Downs Nationwide Park Belief wants to lift an estimated £1m in whole to revive 100 dew ponds.
The pond restorations have been supported with sensible and ecological recommendation from Froglife, in addition to Nationwide Park ranger groups.
Donate to Kilos for Ponds at www.southdownstrust.org.uk/pounds-for-ponds/
To be placed on the notification checklist for future rounds of funding, please e-mail Miriam Swan, Grants Officer, at Grants@southdowns.gov.uk
