Help safeguard the future of our ponds

£20,757 raised for waterside ponds

The Waterways Trust's recent appeal to save ponds situated alongside our waterways has raised over £20,000.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the Trust is able to fund crucial work on a number of ponds that have been identified as urgently needing attention.

Joanne Darlington, Head of Appeals, said: "Ponds are wonderful places to explore and we can learn so much from them. Many are hundreds of years old and form a vital part of an area's local history. However thousands of ponds have disappeared as a result of neglect. With these donations we are now able to carry out essential conservation work to protect our remaining ponds and the wildlife that they support."

Environmental improvements
On the Halifax Arm of the Calder and Hebble Navigation, a grant will help remove sediment which has built up over a number of years at two settlement ponds, adversely affecting aquatic flora and fauna. This work will create a larger area of open water, enabling a broader range of aquatic habitats to flourish and enhance the biodiversity of this quiet section of the canal. The surrounding vegetation will also be managed to ensure sufficient light can reach the ponds, whilst also helping to improve the appearance of the surrounding area.

In Scotland, funding will be used to remove litter at the Wester Hailes pond alongside the Union Canal. Hawthorn trees and native plants will also be planted on the banking around the pond to provide wildlife habitats and enhance the environment.

Work to conserve waterside ponds will continue throughout the year.