Book: How & Why Chapter: Why manage ponds & wetlands? Section: Watery wildlife Metadata: Details Buy this book

The character of managed natural and manmade wetlands and waterways provides many valuable habitats which support a rich variety of plant and animal species.

Permanent ponds and ditches can support;

1. Five species of amphibian; the common frog, common toad, palmate, smooth and great crested newt.
2. Nine species of fish including sticklebacks, pike, eel, perch and roach.
3. 11 species of dragonfly which prefer still or slow moving water with marginal vegetation and include the darters and chasers.
4. 25 species of snail, both aquatic and terrestrial, such as the ramshorn and wandering snail.

Ponds can also support moorhens and other species which prefer to feed away from open water.

Large areas of open water perform a more complex role. They are essential for the feeding and overwintering of numerous migratory wildfowl such as widgeon, teal and bewick swan. They also support a permanent bird population which live and feed in open water and margins. These include grebes, mallards and herons.

Marshes and fens support overwintering fowl as the seasonal flooding benefits migrating species. They also provide the large territories needed by such species as the rare marsh harrier.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• Waterways and Wetlands - a practical handbook by A Brooks & E Agate (1997) BTCV
• The New Rivers and Wildlife Handbook (1994) RSPB
• Your Wildlife Pond (1994) SGC Books (available from BTCV)

This information can assist you to gain National Vocational Qualifications in Environmental Conservation with BTCV.

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