The Kent Pond Warden Scheme
There are approximately 300,000 ponds in Britain, most dating from the medieval period. Many ponds have been created or managed by humans in the past and now act as a valuable habitat for a wide diversity of freshwater plants and animals. Despite their importance, changes in management and the surrounding land use can put these ponds under threat. Neglect leaves ponds to develop naturally and in many cases this means a trend towards silting up and drying out. Our intervention and management is required at this stage to maintain the pond habitat.
In response to the loss of ponds, BTCV has developed the Pond Warden Scheme. There are currently 81 Pond Wardens in Kent.
The aim of the scheme is to:
- Encourage and support the long term maintenance of existing ponds
- Assist with the surveying of ponds
- Promote the development of new ponds with public access
- Enhance the biodiversity value of ponds
- Improve the educational value of ponds which have public access
This is achieved through the recruitment and training of volunteer Pond Wardens throughout the county. Pond Wardens should be committed members of the local community who are prepared to undertake projects with local parish councils and conservation groups. Anyone can be a Pond Warden as no previous experience is required - just a willingness to learn and an interest in the environment.
The role of a Pond Warden is interesting and varied. Tasks include pond creation and management, surveying, liaising with parish and town councils, writing articles/press releases, giving advice, giving talks or guided walks and working with schools. There is also the opportunity for Pond Wardens to take part in the Great Crested Newt Monitoring Project which is organised in conjuction with the Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group. How much time Pond Wardens volunteer and what work they do is up to them. So if you have a particular skill then you can focus on putting it to good use.
All Pond Wardens are required to attend training courses organised by BTCV. These cover pond surveying and assessment, species identification, pond creation and management, dealing with problem ponds and the role of community ponds. All courses are free to Pond Wardens! In additon to this BTCV provide equipment such as microscopes, books, nets and torches to borrow. Wardens can also gain from the experience of becoming a local point of contact regarding pond matters and meeting like-minded people. Pond Wardens are invited to an annual get together, The Big Splash, where feedback is given on the Great Crested Newt Monitoring Project and it's a chance to share experiences and advice with fellow wardens. In order to keep our Pond Wardens informed on events, courses and news, the Pond Warden Scheme Co-ordinator produces a quarterly newsletter, Ponderings.
Become a Pond Warden
Becoming a Pond Warden is simple. Just contact the Kent BTCV Pond Warden Scheme Co-ordinator on 01233 666 519 or email M.Phillips@btcv.org.uk.
Due to the community work involved in being a Pond Warden, we would recommend you also contact your local parish council or conservation group. This will ensure they are aware of you and can also act as valuable support.
