Most of Britain's ponds in a 'terrible state'
Eight out of 10 ponds in Britain are in a ‘terrible state’, according to the first national pond survey in the world. 
By Louise Gray, Environment Correspondent
Published: 1:39PM GMT 04 Feb 2010 The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology measured animal life and water quality in half a million ponds across the country, from tarns in the Lake District to garden pools. Mostly as a result of pollution from farms, sewers and roads, more than 80 per cent of ponds were judged to be in a “poor” or “very poor state”. Invasive species like water primrose and the paving over of more gardens is also a problem. As a consequence rare species of frogs, dragonflies and aquatic plants are in danger of dying out. Dr Jeremy Biggs, director of the charity Pond Conservation, is campaigning to get more people to build ponds in gardens and the countryside. “It is shocking that ponds are in such a terrible state. This should be a wake up call for everyone concerned with protecting freshwater wildlife and involved in water management. Practically unnoticed, wildlife-rich, clean and unpolluted ponds have become a rarity in the countryside.”
