Calls to bring Dorset's 'ghost' ponds back to life
Many of Dorset's ancient ponds have been lost through neglect or have been filled in
More ancient ponds could be brought back to life across Dorset as part of plans to improve biodiversity.
Over the years many of the county’s ‘ghost’ or dewponds have been filled in or are no longer maintained.
Dorset Councillor Kate Wheller has called for more to be reinstated as a way of improving biodiversity.
She says Dorset Council could help by promoting their restoration on the council’s farms: “It would seem to be a great way of improving biodiversity and possibly improving drainage and possibly therefore flooding,” she said.
Dorset Council’s Cabinet meeting heard this week that desk top studies were already being carried out in some areas which include looking at the potential for habitat restoration, including pond creation or restoration.
The meeting was told that a number of opportunities had also been identified to restore ponds to assist in creating habitat for the Great Crested Newt Licensing Scheme.
In at least one case a new pond had already been created in an area where a previous pond had been.
In the Gillingham area compensation funds from a highways scheme was being used to deliver ponds and farm advice on Dorset Council farms working with the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) in the Stour catchment area.