Ponds - Dorset
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Standing Open Water

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Key factors
Glossary  

Extent/Distribution

The number of ponds in the wider countryside in Dorset is unknown. The UK total is estimated at 243,000 small water bodies (between 25m2 and 2 ha). A 75% decline is thought to have occurred over the last 110 years. Although pond numbers in the UK are now relatively stable. Ponds in Dorset suffer from the same problems as those nationally, particularly infilling, pollution and scrub encroachment.

Ponds provide valuable refuges in the wider countryside for many forms of wildlife, particularly amphibians and aquatic invertebrates. Ephemeral ponds (ponds which dry out for part of the summer) can support specialised flora and fauna, but are under threat because their special value can be overlooked or destroyed by deepening them to form permanent ponds.

The Biodiversity Management Group has proposed that a Habitat Action Plan is prepared for this habitat.

Threats

  • Pollution
  • Infilling of ponds Inappropriate management of ponds and adjacent land
  • Non-native species ( e.g. Crassula helmsii)
  • Isolation
  • Gaps in knowledge

Action Plan Objectives

1. Ascertain the value and extent of the existing resource
2. Retain and enhance the existing range and value of open water habitats by appropriate management.
3. Promote the retention, creation and enhancement of buffer zones and sympathetic land use around water bodies.
4. Promote the strategic creation of 'pond ways' or pond clusters
5. Continue to conduct research and monitoring which will improve our knowledge and understanding of associated key species.
6. Provide opportunities for education, access and awareness raising initiatives

 

Action Plan Targets

There are no Natural Area targets set for this habitat.

Current Action

no information currently available

Proposed Action

Policy and legislation

Pollution
See Freshwater Management Programme of Action : Water quality – diffuse pollution.

Management

Infilling of ponds

Complete a countywide pond survey to provide a comprehensive baseline.

PARTNERS: DWT, HCT, DERC, LA’ s, NT

Inappropriate management of ponds and adjacent land

Provide advice on management of ponds for Great crested newts in North and East Dorset.

PARTNERS: DWT, FWAG, Purbeck BAP Project

Through preparation of a Ponds Habitat Action Plan, establish co-ordinated action for ponds of wildlife value, to compliment the Great crested newt work.

PARTNERS: Dorset Biodiversity Partnership to lead

Non native species (e.g. Crassula helmsii)

Garden Centre Project to raise awareness of invasive plant problem.
PARTNERS: EA, DWT

Isolation

Pond creation strategy to be developed ( to include ephemeral ponds)


Research and monitoring

Gaps in knowledge

Utilise database to analyse and fill in gaps in knowledge.

PARTNERS:Great Crested Newt Group

Seek resources to undertake a pond inventory.

PARTNERS: Dorset Biodiversity Partnership

Identify further priority species survey work.

PARTNERS: Dorset Biodiversity Partnership



Education and awareness raising

no information currently available


Progress

[not available]

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