VITAL new ponds have been created in the Radnor Uplands to safeguard some rare, threatened and legally protected species thanks to funding and support from the Million Ponds Project and Biffaward.

The grant of more than £1,000 from the Pond Digging Fund has enabled Cardiff University’s Llysdinam Field Centre, near Newbridge on Wye, to dig several new clean water ponds.

A staggering 80 per cent of ponds in the countryside are in poor or very poor condition, so it is very important that new clean water ponds such as these are created, giving the hundreds of species that depend on ponds a fighting chance.

The new ponds in Radnorshire will mean that fairy shrimp, pillwort, great crested newt and many other plants and animals, will have a secure future.

Dr Fred Slater, of Cardiff University, said “We wanted to dig some ponds here for a long time, but didn’t know where to start. In addition to the support of the landowner and graziers, the Million Ponds Project has been very helpful, helping us to make the best possible ponds, and finding the money to pay for it.”

The Million Pond Project provides support and guidance to any landowner or manager in England or Wales who wants to create news ponds for wildlife through the advice line at info@pondconservation.org.uk and 01865 483 249, and via the website at www.pondconservation.org.uk/millionponds

Million Ponds project officer, Rebecca Good, said: “This is an ideal spot to create wildlife ponds because the water collecting in the shallow ponds on this moorland is clean, free from pollution. It means the delicate plants and animals that can’t survive in polluted ponds will be able to find a home here. We are thankful to Biffaward for providing the funds that have made this work possible.”