Pond in Spring

In search of ponds

Ponds are found throughout Cornwall and the Isles of Sdlly, from the highest moors to the lowest valleys. The Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (ERCCIS) would like YOU to help us find out where ponds are and what condition they are in.

Ponds are a part of our natural heritage, whether they have an economic value or enhance the character of the local scenery. They are a valuable wildlife habitat as there are many different plants and animals that live either in the water, on the water's edge, or use the pond as part of their life cycle-Ponds support at least two-thirds of Britain's freshwater plant and animal species as well as providing a source of water for livestock.

In Great Britain it has been estimated that the number of ponds have declined from about 470,000 in 1945 to 243,000 in 1998. Changes in farming practice have made many ponds redundant and this has been one of the main causes of their decline. However, over recent years this decline has been halted, as there have been many new ponds created or old ones restored, either for conservation or economic reasons. Many people have created ponds

in their gardens. In Cornwall many small ponds exist as a result of past mining activity and these can be extremely valuable for certain species locally.

In recent years a new threat to ponds has appeared - invasive aquatic plants such as parrot's-feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) and Australian swamp stonecrop (Cmssula helmsii). These plants can grow at a phenomenal rate/ choking a pond with extensive growth pushing out native wildlife.

The information collected will be used to evaluate the status of the ponds in the Cornish landscape with the aim of encouraging future conservation of these ponds.

What do I survey?

We would like you to find out where ponds are, what condition they are in and how they arc used and managed. We would also like

to know if some key species are present; only a few have been chosen so you do not have to be an expert to take part in the survey.

Survey ponds in your local area -the Parish Pond survey

To help with the future monitoring of ponds we aim to build up an inventory of where they are in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly by each parish. Surveying ponds in your local parish would be an ideal community activity and schools, Women's Institutes and other local groups are all welcome to take part.

For a Pond Survey form or more details about the Parish Pond survey please contact:

lan Bennallick (Recorder Support Officer), ERCCIS, Five Acres, Allet, Truro, Cornwall, TR4 9DJ. Tel. (01872) 273939.

lan Bennallick