Analysis of Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s pond survey data has re-inforced the message that fish – even small numbers of tiny stickleback – can significantly reduce the wildlife value of a pond.

County Wildlife Sites (CWS) have a key role in the conservation of Suffolk’s biodiversity and are important Living Landscape links.

Ponds support about two thirds of all freshwater species, while also providing non-aquatic animals such as mammals and reptiles with food and water.

Suffolk Ponds Group is a collaborative group of conservation, farming and educational organisations and individuals working together to reverse the decline of farmland ponds in Suffolk and ensure that ponds form a key part of a Nature Recovery Network for the County.

Advice on managing and creating pond and river habitats.

A pond can attract a greater variety of wildlife than perhaps any other single feature in the garden. It provides a breeding space for frogs, toads, newts and dragonflies as well as a habitat for a host of other creatures from pond skaters to water snails. A pond that is shallow at one end will also provide bathing areas for birds and a watering hole for hedgehogs.

Analysis of Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s pond survey data and surveyors’ observations has reinforced the message that duck in any numbers can significantly reduce the wildlife value of a pond, especially for priority species such as great crested newt.

Whilst unattractive and potentially harmful, algae are very important members of a healthy, well-balanced pond ecosystem, providing food for species at the lower end of the food-chain. To deal with algae effectively is not to eradicate it, but to prevent, or control, its excessive growth.

Grassland surrounded by different habitats such as hedge, scrub, woodland and even bare ground can support a rich community of wildlife. The creation of new grassland habitat complements the conservation management of existing grasslands.