Pondscape database and surveys
We are building a comprehensive database of the location and details of ponds in the Tees Valley. We currently (March 2009) have basic information on over 500 ponds in the Tees Valley. These have been mapped on GIS using ArcView. We have more detailed survey information on over 100 ponds. We have digitised up-to-date data on native amphibians and water voles. During 2009 we will be carrying out ecological surveys of a range of ponds in the Tees Valley including surveys on aquatic plants and freshwater invertebrates.
This data is invaluable in planning new ponds and other wetland habitat restoration and creation projects. If you can supply us with data or would like data from us contact the project at teesvalleyponds@teeswildlife.org
Pondscape Surveying
Pond surveys will play a large part of the project and will be divided into the following types:
- Basic pond surveys based on NPMN (National Pond Monitoring network). Visit www.pondnetwork.org.uk for more information. These surveys report on landowner details, any management plans already in place, types of pond plants present and surrounding land use. This gives us a general idea of the pond type.
- Amphibian surveys – these are done either by torchlight, searching by hand for eggs, setting ‘bottle’ traps and refuge searching on land surrounding the pond.
- Surveys of freshwater invertebrates.
- Vegetation surveys of aquatic plants and terrestrial habitats adjoining ponds.
