Home to a range of invertebrates, fish, amphibians, birds and a host of other wildlife, ponds and standing water make fascinating viewing. The threat of development, natural infilling and climate change threaten the biodiversity and recreational value of this habitat.

What is a pond?  From standing water in nature reserves to the purpose built one in your back garden, ponds of all shapes and sizes provide a vital wet habitat for plants and animals.

Whose habitat is it?  Ponds are important habitats for amphibians and also attract dragonflies and damselflies, as well as providing wet and boggy areas for plants. They are important breeding grounds for common newts and frogs. Larger ponds may support breeding populations of rarer toads or great crested newts. Well-designed garden ponds can provide a refuge for many species of freshwater plants and animals. They are valuable for other wildlife too. Birds drink and bathe in the shallow margins, or eat the autumn seed heads of reeds. Insects feed on exposed mud, and at night, bats hunt for lying insects over the water. If you want to see plenty of wildlife close to home, install a garden pond!

Conservation issues  Land drainage has reduced UK pond numbers to only about 400,000 today. Many are now polluted from run-off from roads and agricultural fields. Others are changing naturally, through lack of management, and are overgrown by trees or filling with silt. Garden ponds help to reduce this loss. Few will sustain endangered or highly specialised species, but they can be a real haven for many others.

Where can I see this habitat?

Beverley Meads Fishpond and Woods

Camley Street Natural Park

Centre for Wildlife Gardening

The Chase

Ten Acre Wood