FULLY-FUNDED nature ponds to rejuvenate a protected species’ population are being offered to landowners in Barnsley.
The scheme by community interest company Wildscapes, funded by Natural England, has seen some success already in its aim to protect and encourage growth in the great crested newt (GCN) population.
Late last year ponds were built in Ardsley, Broomhill Flash and Honeywell, and Wildscapes has now announced plans to deliver ‘at least’ 15 more across South Yorkshire.
Ponds are placed near newt habitats and monitored for the next 25 years, with landowners only required to undertake basic maintenance.
Paul Jarman, pond programme manager for Wildscapes CIC, said: “Landowners are becoming increasingly determined to improve the biodiversity of their site and support declining species.
“We’d ask anyone with at least 150 metres squared of land available to contact us to discuss how a fully-funded pond could benefit them.”
Interested landowners are encouraged to get in touch by emailing info@wildscapes.co.uk or leaving a message on 0114 303 5123.