21 January 2010

A new pond at Prees Heath Common nature reserve will attract wading birds, amphibians, insects, wetland plants and, perhaps, water voles.

Butterfly Conservation has joined forces with the Environment Agency to create the wetland habitat. The pond is sited on an area of the common known to have been marshy prior to the construction of the World War Two airfield. The scheme is part of a larger project to restore the heath to something closer to how it would have looked around 100 years ago.

Future plans include the re-introduction of grazing livestock as well as attracting wildlife. The pond will be seasonal and the water level will reduce in the summer months. It will also be a good water source for animals.

Stephen Lewis, Prees Heath Officer with Butterfly Conservation, says: ‘The work being carried out on the Common by Butterfly Conservation is not just for the benefit of butterflies but for all wildlife, and to provide an enjoyable experience for visitors. We will not be introducing wildlife to the pond, but rather we will let the site evolve naturally and see what chooses to take refuge there.’

The Environment Agency provided the machinery and personnel as part of their commitment to promote biodiversity in North Shropshire. Simon Cuming, Biodiversity Officer with the Environment Agency, says: ‘The creation of a pond will increase the variety of habitats and wildlife on the heath. It should provide a home for species such as dragonflies, amphibians and wading birds such as lapwing and snipe which might not otherwise be found on the reserve.’