Biffawards Ponds suports Million Ponds Project

Go-Ahead for Biffawards Ponds

Fri, July 16, 2010 - 12:00:00

The go-ahead has just been given for a series of pond creation projects, to be funded by Biffaward, as part of the Million Ponds Project.  £202,654 from Biffaward will see 366 ponds created on 63 sites.  All these projects will benefit BAP species associated with ponds.  The figures for herps are:

• 158 ponds targeting common toad
• 22 ponds targeting natterjack toad
• 179 ponds targeting great crested newt
• 111 ponds targeting grass snake

Of course, many other species will also benefit from the new ponds. The Million Ponds Project is a 50-year initiative, coordinated by Pond Conservation, to reverse the long-term decline in the UKs ponds, increasing pond numbers to one million and, crucially, creating clean water habitats in the landscape. At present, some 80% of ponds in England and Wales are in poor condition, mainly as a result of water pollution. Amphibian and Reptile Conservation is a lead partner in the project and is supporting projects that will benefit amphibians and the grass snake.

The next round of Biffaward funding will be open to new applications in October 2010, with the deadline for submissions being January 2011. Although the Million Ponds Project is a 50-year initiative, 2011 will be the final year for Biffaward funding. This funding is available to landowners or land managers able to create new ponds that will benefit any of the BAP species associated with ponds, with a particular focus on the most endangered species which are in danger of disappearing from England and Wales completely. Sites do not need to have public access to be eligible for funding and grants cover 100% of contractor costs. To find out more about funding for pond projects contact David Orchard, Ponds Project Officer with Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.

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