How healthy are Hertfordshire's rural ponds? That's what officers from Hertfordshire Biological Records are finding out this summer.
A survey of rural ponds is being carried out across the county, as part of an initiative to develop a better picture of the quality of ponds throughout the UK. The Hertfordshire survey aims to look at as many ponds in the county as possible between now and September. It will concentrate on older rural ponds, such as those found in villages or on farms, rather than those found in gardens.
Each pond will be assessed on its general condition and given a score, based on the number of plant and invertebrate species present. The data collected will be fed into the National Pond Monitoring Network (NPMN), which was launched in May by the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, Barbara Young. This aims to provide, for the first time, a nation-wide focus on ponds and their wildlife.
Ponds are a very important habitat for all kinds of wildlife and every pond has a slightly different community of plants and animals. One of several legally protected species reliant on ponds for survival is the Great Crested Newt. Although rare throughout the rest of the country, this dragon-like amphibian has a stronghold in Hertfordshire and can be found in many ponds all over the county.
County Councillor Derrick Ashley, Executive Member for Environment, said: 'The number of rural ponds in Hertfordshire has more than halved in the last century. They are under threat from development, agriculture, pollution, the introductions of invasive 'alien' species, overstocking of fish and wildfowl and general mismanagement. That is why it is extremely important to carry out this survey, so that Hertfordshire's ponds are included in the national record and the Hertfordshire Biological Records Centre can help in the maintenance and protection of our rural ponds.'
The national database can be viewed at www.pondnetwork.org.uk.
Anyone with information or access to a rural pond can contact Pond Project Officer Lyndsey Rule or Dr. Jenny Jones at the Hertfordshire Biological Records Centre on 01992 556155.
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