Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
Pond Survey
Why undertake a survey of ponds in Cornwall and Scilly?
Small water-bodies, usually known as ‘ponds’
or ‘pools’, are found throughout Cornwall and
the Isles of Scilly, from the highest moors to the lowest
valleys. The Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall and
the Isles of Scilly (ERCCIS) would like YOU to help us find
out where ponds are found and what condition they are in.
Pond on White Barrow Downs, Bodmin Moor
photograph
taken by Jean Paton
Ponds are a part of our natural heritage, whether they have
an economic value or enhance the character of the local scenery.
They are a valuable wildlife habitat as there are many different
plants and animals that live either in the water, on the water’s
edge or use the pond as part of their life cycle. Ponds support
at least two-thirds of Britain’s freshwater plant and
animal species as well as providing a source of water for
livestock.
In Great Britain it has been estimated that the number of
ponds have declined from about 470,000 in 1945 to 243,000
in 1998. Changes in farming practice have made ponds redundant
and this has been one of the main causes of their decline.
However over recent years this decline has been halted, as
there have been many new ponds created or old ones restored.
Many people have created ponds in their gardens. In Cornwall
many small ponds exist as a result of past mining activity
and these can be extremely valuable for certain species locally.
The information you collect will be used to evaluate the
status of ponds in the Cornish landscape with the aim of encouraging
future conservation of these ponds. Proper evaluation will
enable limited conservation resources to be efficiently targeted.
Yellow Iris Iris pseudacorus
photograph taken by CA Perry
What do I survey?
For this survey we would like to find out where ponds are,
what condition they are in and how the pond is used and managed.
We would also like to know if some key species are present;
only a few have been chosen so you do not have to be an expert
in wildlife identification – fill in what details you
can on the Pond Survey Form.
Download
Pond Survey Form
USE ONE SURVEY FORM FOR EACH POND AND PROVIDE AS MUCH DETAIL
AS YOU CAN – please contact us
if you require paper versions of the survey form.
Remember NEVER TRESPASS – always ask permission from
the landowner before going on private land to survey a pond.
If in doubt do not carry out the survey. By trespassing you
may hinder the work of conservation, wildlife and farming
organisations and authorities by creating bad feeling with
the landowner.
HEALTH AND SAFETY – Carrying out the survey is done
at your own risk. If you need information on reducing risks
contact the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regional office
(Cardiff) on tel. 029 2026 3000 or visit their website www.hse.gov.uk.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO GO INTO THE WATER.
Common Frog Rana temporaria
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