Graham is a Conservation Adviser at Suffolk Wildlife Trust and provides support and advice for Private Nature Reserves (PNR) and County Wildlife Sites (CWS) across the county. 

In this blog Graham details the behind the scenes of a pond restoration on a CWS in north Suffolk and the benefits that this has had for the local wildlife and biodiversity. 

Nestled near the village of Ilketshall St. Lawrence in Suffolk, the Green is a cherished area of common land that plays a vital role in supporting local wildlife and biodiversity. With its mosaic of habitats—grassland, scrub, hedgerows, mature trees, and a large pond—it’s a textbook example of a rural common rich in ecological value.

The pond, located on the eastern edge of the Green, is a designated County Wildlife Site and part of a wider landscape known for its high density of ponds. These water bodies are essential for many species, including the Turtle Dove—a priority species in Suffolk due to significant population declines. Turtle Doves rely on ponds near nesting habitats for drinking and bathing, making this site particularly important.

However, over the years, the pond had been slowly deteriorating. Natural succession had taken its toll: willow trees had overgrown the area, casting dense shade, while sediment build-up caused the pond to dry out seasonally. This drying allowed woody vegetation to take hold, threatening the pond’s ecological integrity. Without intervention, the site was at risk of being lost entirely.

In 2023, a grant application was submitted to National Highways’ Networks for Nature (N4N) programme—a scheme designed to enhance biodiversity along the Strategic Road Network. The funding aimed to restore degraded habitats and improve ecological connectivity across landscapes. The restoration plan for Ilketshall’s pond focused on desilting, removing invasive willow, reprofiling the banks, and managing surrounding tree cover to bring light and life back to the water.

The restoration required careful coordination. Although the Green is accessible to the public, it is privately owned and used for cattle grazing by a local resident. Residential and commercial properties border the site, and a UK Power Networks electricity line runs directly over the pond. Gaining the support of the landowner—contactable only via an agent—alongside local stakeholders and utility providers was essential.

Once permission was granted, an on-site meeting brought together contractors, UK Power Networks, and the local grazier, whose knowledge of the site proved invaluable. Due to the scale of tree work required, a specialist arborist was subcontracted. After quotes were received and funding approved, UK Power Networks scheduled a power shutdown—requiring three months’ notice.

Unfortunately, severe storms and flooding in autumn 2023, followed by a wet winter, delayed the project until September 2024. When work commenced, UK Power Networks attended on day one to ensure all tree works near the power line were completed safely within the shutdown window.

The restoration involved:

• Mechanical desilting to remove decades of sediment and restore varied pond depths, helping aquatic species complete their lifecycles
• Bank reprofiling to create a dynamic drawdown zone, encouraging marginal vegetation and increasing habitat diversity
• Willow and tree removal to reduce shading and allow sunlight to reach the water, boosting plant growth and insect activity
• Silt redistribution along the edge of the common to support thorny scrub growth—ideal nesting habitat for Turtle Doves
• Creation of log piles from felled wood to provide shelter for invertebrates, amphibians, and small mammals

The restored pond now offers a vibrant mix of shallow and deeper areas, supporting a wide range of aquatic flora and fauna. Marginal plants will provide seed-rich vegetation for Turtle Doves and foraging grounds for bats that hunt aerial insects around the pond’s edge.

This project is a shining example of how ecological restoration can succeed when community, conservation, and collaboration come together. The transformation of Ilketshall St. Lawrence Green Pond not only safeguards a valuable County Wildlife Site but also enhances recreational and educational opportunities for local residents.

 Suffolk Wildlife Trust is proud to support initiatives like this that help nature thrive. If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved in habitat restoration, we’d love to hear from you.