Helping to conserve and improve wildlife habitats in Derby for the benefit of the public and the environment.
Our aims:
- To conserve and educate
- To liaise with, and involve local people
- To survey and monitor ponds
- To run events promoting greater understanding of the value of ponds
- To investigate pond history, and develop management plans
- To create new ponds, and solve existing pond problems
- To provide and share information
- To improve the local biodiversity
The Derby City Pond Warden Association is part of the WildDerby partnership.
Last Updated 07/01/2012
There are currently ponds, of which do not have a pond warden.
In 2004/2005 Derby City Council funded a survey of the city ponds, and most are being re-surveyed through 2010-2012 as part of our Wild About Ponds project.
Select a pond on the map to see its details.
Predictive SYstem for Multimetrics
The PSYM (pronounced sim) is a standard assessment of the ecological quality of a pond.
Its calculation is based on environmental information such as pH, and the identification of plants and invertebrates found at the site.
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A job well done!
Are you interested?
Are you part of a group that looks after a pond, a school or an interested local individual.
Do you have time for a meeting three or four times a year and enjoy visiting a pond, or would like to start doing so?
So what is a Pond Warden?
A pond warden is a volunteer who is interested in helping to look after ponds in their own local area.
The activities a pond warden can get involved in are varied, such as surveying and monitoring, pond management and involving local people.
Survey and monitoring
Finding out what is in the pond, what has been lost, what is colonising and what is visiting the pond is essential knowledge for pond management.
Records such as photographs, species lists or other written records are particularly valuable.
Pond management
Each pond will require a unique set of tasks to protect or enhance its value for wildlife.
Some ponds already have good management plans that take account of the sites value,
but many others may require new or revised plans. DCPWA can advise on these aspects, and has access to specialists in this field.
Click here to see Pond Management Guidance notes.
Involvement of local people
Open events such as the “Day of Pondamania”, pond dipping, nature walks or even a morning’s litter clearing can be a good way of getting more people to take an interest in their local ponds.
Why are Pond Wardens needed?
Ponds and lakes are important places for wildlife in Derby. The Derby Pond Survey 2004/05 has provided us with information about the number,
quality and location of ponds within the city. It realised an 88% decline in number of ponds in the last 100 years and only 6 have retained great crested newts.
However that there were a total of 88 different wetland plants across the 69 ponds surveyed.
Nationally, about two thirds of all Britain’s freshwater plants and animals are found in ponds.
There are at least 4000 species of freshwater invertebrates in the UK, over two thirds of which are found in ponds.
Without ponds there would be nowhere for frogs, toads or newts to breed.
Ponds are also important for people. Ponds have enormous educational, historical and cultural value.
Ponds can introduce children to the way in which nature works in the countryside around them.
Volunteer Pond Wardens are a valuable asset to the work of WildDerby because they are local to the area and have a ‘finger on the pulse’ of what’s happening with ‘their’ pond.
They can contribute to the maintenance of optimal conditions for our ponds and their wildlife to thrive for our pleasure and for future generations.
What is the time commitment?
As much or as little as you can spare. Some tasks such as keeping an eye on the pond could be combined with current activities such as walking the dog or taking the children to school.
Perhaps you could join with family or neighbours for a ‘local project’.
What skills and knowledge do I need to be a pond warden?
The most important quality is to have some passion for local ponds and wildlife.
Some training will be available along with information packs and regular newsletters.
What support will I get?
DCPWA will offer training, information, networking opportunities and equipment loan and, if necessary, a pond near you.
Please gain permission from the land owner if it is in private ownership.
What’s in it for me?
Satisfaction of contributing to the maintenance of your local environment and pond life. Holding ‘open days’ on your pond,
and networking with other pond wardens. But above all to have FUN!
To find out more view the Derby Pond Warden Handbook
The Derby City Pond Warden Association produces a quarterly Newsletter letting people know what has, and is happening, and what is planned for the future.
Select edition to view:
Events for 2012
- Sunday 15th April, PINE workshop on amphibians 10.00am till 3.00pm at Sinfin Moor community room. bring your own lunch.
- Sunday 20th May, day of Pondamania at Dale Road Pond Spondon. 10.30am till 4.00pm.
- Sunday 22nd July, pond dipping at the Arboretum 10.30am till 4.00pm.
- Sunday 19th August, dragonfly spotting at Derwent Meadows 10.00am till 12.00 noon.
Future Committee Meetings
- Thursday 22nd March 2012 at 7.00pm
- Thursday 14th June 2012 at 7.00pm
- Thursday 20th September 2012 at 7.00pm
- Thursday 13th December 2012 at 7.00pm
New members always welcome.
Committee Meetings are currently being held at Derby University, Kedleston Road, Derby. DE22 1GB Room S110.
- Bid Presentation
- Location Map
What is the Wild About Ponds Project?
The Wild About Ponds project will restore, manage and create new ponds, and commence a long term programme of pond care using management plans.
The Project's objectives will contribute towards national, regional, local, and City Biodiversity Action Plans.
By sharing it's work with others, it hopes to generate positive local interest work with others.
Using project resources £100,000 (£90,000 provided by SITA, and the rest from Derby City Council) the Wild About Ponds project will:
- Produce 30 mini-management plans, and provide Pond Warden Training through surveying, and Plan creation by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.
- Restore 14, maintain 6 high priority/quality ponds, and create 5 new ponds within Derby City Boundary using the Management plans and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV).
- Raise the awareness of the importance of ponds (Groundwork).
- Create resources and confidence to continue to manage and restore ponds beyond the estimated 3 year project period, with support from the Derby City Pond Warden Association (DCPWA).
The project will be delivered using a partnership involving Derby City Council (WildDerby), Derby City Pond Warden Association (DCPWA), Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (DWT), BTCV, and Groundwork Derby and Derbyshire.
Further details can be found in the Bid Presentation on the right of this page, which was correct as of November 2009
Progress With the Wild About Ponds Project
The Project is a three-year programme, which will change over time as changes naturally occur.
To keep you abreast of such changes, a resourced project plan will be amended, and completed activities shown.
To view the lastest project plan Click here
Pond Conservation
Pond Conservation is the national charity dedicated to creating and protecting ponds and the wildlife they support.
Derbyshire Biodiversity
Provides Information on Biodiversity in the County.
Derbyshire Wildlife Trust
The leading conservation organisation in the County.
WildDerby Partnership
A partnership organisation of Derby City Council, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, and local groups.
Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the United Kingdom
Umbrella organisation for those interested in protecting Amphibians and reptiles.
Froglife
An organisation dedicated to protecting amphibians and reptiles in the wild.
British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (Derbyshire)
Co-ordinating and running projects within the county offering a variety of opportunities for people to get involved in practical conservation work.
National Pond Monitoring Network
An Organisation for increasing the amount of data on UK ponds and making it publically available.
Derbyshire Amphibian and Reptile Group (DARG)
Promoting the study and conservation of amphibians and reptiles.
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