How to bring ’ghost ponds’ back from the dead

A small pond full of thriving plants Digging new ponds and resurrecting old "ghost ponds" can be done by landowners to revitalise biodiversity in natural and farmland landscapes, say UCL researchers in a new how-to guide for turning degraded ponds into thriving ecosystems. The manual, developed by the UCL Pond Restoration Research Group in conjunction with the Freshwater Habitats Trust and Norfolk Ponds Project, is designed to help landowners, farmers and other stewards of the land to manage existing ponds, restore degraded ponds and determine the best ways to create new ones. The report highlights research showing that increasing the number of clean water ponds in a region can boost freshwater biodiversity and protect against future species decline. The team timed the release of the report to coincide with a Norfolk Ponds Project week to restore a number of ponds on a mid Norfolk farm. Since its creation in 2014, Norfolk Ponds Project, in collaboration with UCL researchers, has restored more than 250 ponds reviving aquatic flora and fauna across the farmed landscape. The guide highlights techniques for identifying sites to locate new ponds, ways to resurrect long-lost and filled in "ghost ponds" and methods for clearing excess scrub and accumulated organic material from old ponds (so-called "zombie ponds") invaded by trees and scrub, as well as how to identify the kinds of wildlife that indicate whether a pond is healthy or in need of attention. Lead author Professor Carl Sayer (UCL Geography) said: "We hope that this new guide will become a valuable resource for all who are interested in protecting freshwater in the environment and restoring some of the UK's lost biodiversity.