How ponds are helping rare species thrive in New Forest freshwater
PUBLISHED ON: 29 APRIL 2025New ponds are being created and old ponds restored to improve the quality of freshwater habitats in and around the New Forest National Park.
Freshwater Habitats Trust’s work on private land will help rare species spread out and populate areas, while also helping to manage issues such as flooding and nutrient enrichment.
FHT is one of five partner organisations in the Species Survival Fund (SSF) project, led by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) which aims to halt species decline and restore habitats in the Forest.
Regional programme manager for FHT Gemma Stride said: ‘The New Forest is a unique landscape and is a wildlife capital for freshwater biodiversity, which is a declining ecosystem globally.
‘It is one of the largest freshwater biodiversity hotspots in the country, boasting pristine freshwaters at the core, however it is subject to huge pressures and our vision is to protect, improve and expand this freshwater landscape.’
FHT is working with landowners and land managers at around 20 sites to create and restore habitats across 150 hectares – equivalent to 250 football pitches.
This will extend the quality of the network of protected Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) around the edge of the Forest and beyond.
Gemma added: ‘Here in the Forest we can build out a network of habitats and use freshwater as “ecological engineers” to bring back clean water and natural processes to the landscape.
‘We are also working with farmers and commoners who are dealing with increased flooding problems and looking at affordable options to help manage the issue into the future to tackle the shifting patterns in rainfall we are seeing.
‘Creating ponds is a very cost effective way in boosting biodiversity, and are essential if we want to halt and reverse the decline in freshwater species. These habitats really do pack a punch for wildlife considering the small area they occupy in comparison to other habitats.
‘As well as providing an important refuge for freshwater Species of Conservation Concern, recent evidence shows that good ponds are vital habitats for declining terrestrial species too.
‘The New Forest is a high-quality landscape, a biodiversity hotspot at the core and this is a major factor in helping any intervention around the edge maximise its potential.’
The SSF project is funded by the Government’s Species Survival Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm’s-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.
Pictured top: Pillwort, Hampshire Purslane and Bog Pondweed (Credit: Gemma Stride)
