Ponds
Wonderful Wetlands
Up here on the chalk downs there are not many natural ponds, so to attract wildlife and increase biodiversity we created a wetland habitat.
Up here on the chalk downs there are not many natural ponds, so to attract wildlife and increase biodiversity we created a wetland habitat.
Smooth or Common Newt
Scientific name: Lissotriton vulgaris In spring these amphibians arrive, but unlike frogs newts do not lay a mass of spawn, instead they wrap each egg carefully in the leaf of a water plant. The tadpoles are streamlined and have feathery external gills, which they keep until they become efts and are ready to leave the water. You might be lucky enough to also find these amazing creatures in the woods munching on a worm! Did You Know?A male smooth newt ‘dresses up’ to impress the females, he grows a crest all along his back and tail. 
Pond Skater Scientific name: Gerris lacustris There are nine species of pond skater in the UK. They emerge from hibernation in April and lay their eggs in the water. They hunt by detecting vibrations on the surface of the water, then use their sharp mouthparts to stab their prey. Did You Know?Common pond skaters have water-repellent hairs on the bottom of their feet, enabling them to walk on the surface film of the water. |
Dragonflies
Scientific order: Odonata We have several different species of damselfly and draggonfly living in our wetland area and they are all spectacular. They have 360˚ vision and can even fly backwards! You may spot females dipping their tails in the water to lay eggs, which soon hatch into ferocious predators. They eat insect larvae, snails and tadpoles using their extendable jaws which shoot out to catch their prey. Nymphs can live in the pond for a few months up to 6 years, whereas the adults only live for a few weeks. 
Did You Know?It’s easier than you think to identify whether it’s a dragonfly or damselfly. When they rest, dragonflies hold their wings out at right angles to their body, whereas most damselflies hold them against their abdomen. Top TipMake a DIY pond in your own garden by recycling an old container!
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