Ponds

Ponds in the Wychwood area

Many ponds are under threat and vanishing every year. This is creating problems for the wildlife which depend on water.

Individuals have met periodically throughout the year for walks through attractive countryside such as at Ramsden, Wilcote, Minster Lovell and East End, carrying out sampling and identification of the variety of pond life from daphnia and cyclops to frogs and newts.

A walk in the late evening to observe great crested and smooth newts using torches was very popular with both young and older members the group. Using the Laboratory at Hill End, it was very rewarding to see children helping adults with the capture and observational identification of species. In addition we have had a talk by Pond Conservation and have been asked to help out collect data for the national website of sightings of snakes and amphibians.

We have had fun looking into trays of pond life that we have collected with nets and seen a great range of species that we would have never noticed by just casual observation while on a walk. As a result of these walks, some members have adopted a new approach to establishing ponds on their gardens with the wildlife in mind. At present we have over 30 members of all ages.

If you are interested in ponds or restoring an old pond in the Wychwood Forest area please contact the Wychwood Project office.