Research and Monitoring
Generating knowledge to reverse the decline in freshwater biodiversity
As an evidence-based wildlife conservation charity, it’s essential that we generate new knowledge about freshwater habitats and the species they support. Our programme of research and monitoring activity ensures that our practical conservation work is based on science.
Discover our research and monitoring projects
Our national and international scientific research and monitoring projects are helping to further our understanding of freshwater habitats and species.
PONDERFUL - EU Horizon 2020
Freshwater Habitats Trust is a partner in this international consortium, investigating the role of ponds in climate change adaptation.
Water Friendly Farming
We’re working with the University of York, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust and Environment Agency in this long-running demonstration site project.
Medicinal Leech Recovery Project
Our collaborative recovery project is helping to stop one of Britain’s endangered species from going extinct.
PondNet eDNA surveys
We’re using pioneering Environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring techniques to monitor Great Crested Newts and other aquatic animals in key locations across England.
Urban Pond Count
Through this citizen science monitoring project, we’re estimating the number of ponds in England, so we can help protect them and the species they support.
Pitsford Water Friendly Farming
This collaborative project is helping us to understand how we can protect and enhance the freshwater environment at a catchment scale by using landscape-wide mitigation measures.