Identifying priority ponds across the Chess catchment
We’re aiming to understand the condition of ponds across the Chess catchment in the Chilterns. We want to locate the best of the best - the priority ponds - where conservation action should be targeted.
The protection and enhancements of ponds should be core in any catchment restoration project. They are critical ecosystem engineers, supporting two-thirds of freshwater species and – at landscape scale – more biodiversity than larger waterbodies, including rivers and lakes. This is due to their greater collective heterogeneity (habitat variation between different ponds).
Sadly we know very little about ponds across the landscape, in particular our best ponds. It’s estimated that nationally only 10% of these priority ponds have been identified.
This project will address this data gap in the Chess catchment, working with volunteers to undertake its first landscape scale assessment of ponds, building a picture of their condition as well as identifying the best sites to guide future conservation action.
- Mapped Ponds Across the Chess Catchment
~250
Ponds mapped in Chess catchment
70-100
Ponds aimed to be survey through the project
15
Ponds surveyed with for wetland plants and freshwater invertebrates
10
Walkovers across landholdings to identify habitat creation and restoration opportunities
Get Involved!
We’re looking for volunteers to help us identify Priority Ponds using Priority Pond Assessment Tool (PASS) this summer.
PASS using non-biological metrics to determine how likely a pond is to be a priority pond, and provides a quick and simple means for a landscape scale assessment.
What’s involved?
- One visit to a pond (we’ll ensure all landowner permission are in place for you), between June to August 2024.
- Fill in the PASS form by answering five simple questions and take one photograph of the pond
- Submit your results via our online portal (you’ll be sent a link)
Training
The survey is very straightforward. You can either use the online training materials that we’ll provide to take you through the steps or attend our training event on 2nd July at Cholesbury Village Hall at 6:30pm. More details provided with sign up.
Sign up for the survey
To sign up for a pond, please follow the link below to our interactive map. Click the pond you want to survey and fill in the details in the form.