Ponds can range from 1m² to 2 ha in size and typically hold water for at least four months of the year. These habitats are often small, shallow features within the landscape, with gently sloping margins that support a range of aquatic and marginal plants.

Ponds are primarily standing-water habitats, although some may receive seasonal inflows or overflow during wet periods. Healthy ponds have a balance of open, sunny areas and partial shade helps create a diversity of habitats for wildlife.

Ponds may form part of a complex of scrapes and other temporary ponds, where water levels vary seasonally. They can be naturally formed or artificially created and are commonly found on farms, estates and in gardens.

However, these priority habitats have declined since 1900 and are increasingly under threat, as approximately 80% of existing ponds in the UK are considered degraded.

Why are ponds important in natural flood management?

Their ability to retain water for long periods of time helps slow the flow by temporarily storing water and encouraging infiltration or evaporation, reducing the volume reaching rivers and lowering downstream flood risk.

Reinstating ponds which have silted up in areas with high runoff can further trap sediment and nutrients, improve water quality and increase landscape roughness, helping to slow water movement across the catchment.

Ponds also promote sedimentation, allowing suspended particles and pollutants to settle before water re-enters a watercourse, helping to improve water quality downstream.

These habitats are also important for drought resilience within a landscape and carbon sequestration.

Species you may expect to find in a healthy pond

Invertebrates

• Great diving beetle
• Mayfly nymph
• Dragonfly nymph
• Freshwater shrimp
• Common pond skater

Amphibians

• Common toad
• Common frog
• Palmate newt
• Smooth newt
• Great crested newt

Plants

• Rigid hornwort
• Water crowfoot
• Frogbit
• Marsh marigold
• Curled pondweed
• Ragged robin

Invasive species

• New Zealand pigmyweed
• Floating pennywort
• Water fern
• Parrot's feather
• Water primrose
• Himalayan balsam

Learn more about invasive and non-native plant species legislation in England and Wales, including a list of species and advice for their management and removal.

The likelihood of introducing invasive or non-native species can be reduced by avoiding the movement of contaminated soils, using locally sourced materials where possible, and following good biosecurity practices, such as:

• Staying on designated footpaths where possible
• Cleaning boots, wheels and tyres before entering the habitat to reduce the risk of introducing pathogens, invasive species and seeds. Clean them again before leaving and allow them to dry thoroughly before visiting another site
• Checking your dog's paws and fur for seeds and insects

Learn more about biosecurity on GOV.UK.

Please note that the following suggestions are general and may not be appropriate for all ponds. Specific pond types may require different management approaches.

The project does not accept responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from these recommendations.

Maintain buffer strips (a minimum of 10 m)

• This reduces chemical, sediment, and nutrient run‑off entering the pond.

Vegetation management

• Vegetation should be managed to provide a balance of sunny areas and dappled shade. Excessive shading can limit aquatic plant growth, while full exposure may increase water temperatures and algal growth
• Vegetation management should be carried out during the autumn and winter months to limit wildlife disturbance
• Avoid large-scale removal of aquatic and marginal vegetation. Where management is needed, undertake it in rotation and retain the majority of vegetation cover
• Where a single plant species becomes dominant and reduces habitat diversity, partial removal may be beneficial

Maintain natural bankside slopes

• Gentle slopes into the pond should be retained to support marginal vegetation, improve wildlife access and reduce erosion
• Avoid poaching and trampling by livestock by restricting access to the pond. Consider installing fencing around the pond margins and providing an alternative drinking source, such as a trough, to maintain stock watering while protecting the pond habitat

Prevent excess nutrient build-up

• Excessive accumulations of decaying organic matter can increase nutrient levels, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, which may contribute to eutrophication. If vegetation or debris is becoming excessive, remove only part of the material at a time. Removed material should be left adjacent to the pond for 48 hours to allow invertebrates and other wildlife to return to the pond before being removed from the site

Most pond management is best undertaken in autumn (September to November), when impacts on amphibians, breeding birds and aquatic invertebrates can be minimised.

Farming rules for water

Make sure you comply with Farming Rules for Water. Herefordshire Rural Hub and the National Farmers Union have useful guidance on how to do this.

What to do if your pond is becoming eutrophic

Eutrophication appears as excessive green, algal growth on the pond's surface. This growth is linked to increased levels of nutrients.

While some algal growth is healthy, excessive growth can decrease your pond's biodiversity, deplete oxygen levels in the water and reduce the water storage capacity of the pond, increasing the risk of flooding.

To remediate this:

• Consider partial vegetation removal
• Reduce fertiliser use nearby
• Exclude livestock
• Increase buffer strips

If the nutrient levels are still high, consider seeking specialist advice to see whether installing a water aeration system would be appropriate.

How will you know if you have created a good, healthy habitat?

These are some indicators to look out for when managing your pond. It is important to be aware of your pond's biodiversity and health, as this can alter your management practices.

A healthy pond will have:

• Plenty of insects and aquatic invertebrates
• Vegetated buffer strip and a balance of sunlight and shade
• A mix of marginal, floating and underwater plants
• Shallow areas for wildlife access and breeding
• No rubbish/litter or pollution
• Low levels of algal growth

Get funding to manage your pond

There are many government grant schemes available, which may benefit you and your land:

• Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)
• Countryside Stewardship Scheme

Pond charities and related organisations

Regional

• Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
• Herefordshire Rural Hub

National

• Natural England
• Freshwater Habitats Trust
• Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC)
• Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust

The Environment Agency can give you advice on managing fertiliser and manure use.

Visit the Natural Flood Management Hub to explore NFM Projects across the UK and view their Agricultural Land Management guide.

Visit the NFM evidence directory for more information about how working with natural processes reduces flood risk.