Madley Moat (credit: Darylle Hardy)
The aim of this project, which started in March 2007, was to restore 5 ponds and, through a series of celebration days, encourage landowners to create or restore their own ponds. The project was a partnership between Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and the Herefordshire Amphibian and Reptile Team (HART).
The 5 ponds that were restored were at Honeymoor Common, Madley Moat, Lower House Orchards (Staunton-on-Wye), Holme Lacey College and Ross-on-Wye (adjacent to the Wild Connections walk).
For each of the ponds, a programme of consultation and training was undertaken to ensure local people and owners had their say and were happy with the plans. Training was given in pond life identification and how to manage ponds to ensure they maintain their biodiversity. A specialist consultant produced a restoration plan for each pond.
Once the plans had been approved by Natural England and other statutory bodies, the major clearance and restoration work was contracted to professionals with specialist equipment, while volunteers provided the support and unskilled labour.
A local pond group was set up for each pond and a Herefordshire Amphibian and Reptile Team (HART) trained volunteer was allocated to each group.
The Pond Celebration days took place at attractive ponds across the county and extolled the virtues of ponds and the diversity of life in and around them. Advice was also provided on how to create and maintain ponds.