"An integral part of the wilding works at Woodsell has been the introduction of six wildlife ponds into a relatively dry landscape. We hope that these will significantly enhance biodiversity, provide essential water-based habitats, and support the overall ecological health of the farm."

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Installation of Wildlife Ponds

An integral part of the wilding works at Woodsell has been the introduction of six wildlife ponds into a relatively dry landscape. We hope that these will significantly enhance biodiversity, provide essential water-based habitats, and support the overall ecological health of the farm. Here are some key considerations and steps to take when integrating wildlife ponds into a wilding project:

Benefits of Wildlife Ponds

• Biodiversity Boost: Ponds create habitats for a wide range of species, including amphibians, insects, birds, and aquatic plants.
• Water Source: They provide a crucial water source for animals and birds, especially in dry periods, like the extreme drought in the summer of ‘22
• Ecological Balance: Ponds help in maintaining the ecological balance by supporting predators and prey species.
• Carbon Sequestration: Wetlands and ponds can sequester carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation.
• Educational and Recreational Value: They offer opportunities for environmental education and passive recreation.

Figure 1. Large pond in Flower Rich Grass Field

Planning and Design

Because there are no natural water sources at Woodsell we have installed the ponds at various locations spread across the farm. We tended to avoid placing them near too many mature trees to minimise overloading the water with leaf litter. They were positioned where there is adequate sunlight (at least 6 hours a day).

Figure 2. Map of Woodsell showing ponds

Woodsell ponds (in order of installation):

1. Bird House pond – Autumn ’21
2. Orchid Bank pond – Summer ‘23
3. Large pond in Flower Rich Grass Field – Autumn ’23
4. Church Road pond on upper bank – Autumn ‘23
5. Agroforestry pond behind farm buildings – Spring ‘24
6. The Sunken pond in the Grass Meadow – Spring/Summer ‘24

To keep the ponds looking as natural as possible we used irregular shapes with indented edges provide more diverse habitats. We also made sure they have varying depths, with shallow edges for plants and deeper areas for overwintering animals.

Figure 3. Liner and overlay being installed in Agroforestry Pond

After experimenting with a natural clay lining in the pond in the Orchid Bank we decided to line the remaining ones with a butyl liner to prevent water from seeping away. This is because most of the ponds are in remote locations on the farm, some distance from a water source, and we therefore wanted to hold on to every drop. A fleece layer was placed below and above the liner to hopefully protect the liner from punctures. This was then covered with soil.

We added features such as logs, rocks, and plant debris to create hiding places and breeding sites for wildlife. Because our soil is flint-heavy we have found that putting piles of flints at the water’s edge provides a great habitat for invertebrates. We have also added some large fallen branches to provide a perch for birds.

The Agroforestry and water treatment ponds were filled using a hose but with the others we had to wait for substantial rainfall.

Most of the ponds were left to self-populate apart from the Sunken Pond where we introduced 80 sticklebacks to minimise mosquitos, because this pond is situated near to our nature retreat accommodation. We also transported a few Flag Irises and water mint from another pond to provide some attractive flowers.

Figure 4. Dragonfly in Bird House Pond

It was surprising how quickly wildlife established in the ponds. For example, in our first pond we could see water beetles, water boatman, whirligig beetles, dragon and damsel flies withing the first few weeks. Six months later frogspawn appeared. Within a year there were bullrushes and our webcam spotted roe deer, badgers, foxes, hedgehogs, buzzards, jays, crows, woodpeckers, jays and even a tawny owl taking a bath! We are now having to control the large number of bullrushes that have dominated the pond to preserve the water levels.

Figure 5. Tadpoles in the Bird House Pond within 6 months of installation

We hope by carefully planning, creating, and managing our wildlife ponds, we will provide suitable water-based habitats and drinking spots for wildlife at Woodsell. This is especially import and what was previously a ‘dry’ farm. Hopefully this will significantly contribute to the success of our rewilding project, providing lasting benefits for the ecosystem.

By Helen Renny, Project Co-ordinator