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WHY
PONDS ARE
IMPORTANT
“It’s really important for British wildlife
that gardeners do their bit for aquatic
life – freshwater plants, insects,
amphibians and mammals all rely
on our commitment.”
Alan Titchmarsh
There are around 478,000 ponds in
the countryside of England, Wales
and Scotland, providing a unique and
biodiverse wildlife habitat, and playing an
important role in our history and culture.
Sadly, countryside ponds are threatened
by pollution, the changing climate,
drainage, and development, and many
are in very poor condition. However, we
estimate that the nation’s gardeners have
created a staggering additional 2-3 million
garden ponds. As well as providing much
pleasure and enjoyment, these small
waterbodies increase the habitat
available for our freshwater wildlife,
and may link fragmented wildlife
communities.
In this booklet we aim to help
gardeners make their ponds
even better for wildlife, creating
habitat for a wide range of aquatic
plants and animals.
GARDEN POND
‘SHOPPING LIST’
• Rainwater butt and downpipe
conversion kit
• Liner
• Play sand or clean gravel
• Native plants
• Pond Conservation guide to
creating a wildlife pond in your garden!
• A love of wildlife
Kingfisher © Paul Lacey