ponds

Discover and protect freshwater wildlife with Pond Conservation

Ponds, lakes, rivers and streams are incredibly important wildlife habitats. Unfortunately, they are under threat and need all the help we can give them.

By joining Pond Conservation, you'll help to:

save endangered freshwater wildlife
create and protect special wildlife ponds
campaign and influence policies to help save ponds, lakes and rivers

Visit the Pond Conservation website for more information

How to join Pond Conservation

Get to know the animals that live in your pond

Learn more about the creatures living in your pond, including water beetles, snails, shrimps and caddis fly larvae.

Animals in your pond on the Pond Conservation website

Helpful factsheets to improve your garden pond

Problems with leaks, silt, algae or general pond management? Help is at hand with these factsheets.

Factsheets and frequently asked questions on the Pond Conservation website

The Garden Pond Blog

Follow the latest Pond Conservation news and share your comments on this popular blog.

Read The Garden Pond Blog

Developing the OPAL water survey

The water survey includes an invertebrate activity that is based on a method developed by Pond Conservation.

Learn more about the development of the invertebrate survey method (PDF, 277KB)

Pond clinic - put your questions to the experts

Do you have a question about your pond? Ask the experts at Pond Conservation by emailing info [at] pondconservation [dot] org [dot] uk.

Finding out more

These organisations and resources will help you develop your interest in ponds and the wildlife they support.

Useful links and resources

Water activity sheets

Visit the OPAL Kids Zone for puzzles, games and amazing facts.

Kids Zone

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Water survey - join in now

How healthy is your local lake or pond?

By taking part in the OPAL water survey, you’ll help scientists learn more about how polluted our lakes and ponds actually are – something we know surprisingly little about.

Good water quality is essential for the many animals and plants that live in and around our lakes, ponds and rivers. Unfortunately, water is easily affected by pollution from agriculture and industry, waste we throw away, and even pollutants in the air.

Look for clues in the water

Animals living in the water can tell us a great deal about how polluted the water may be. Some species struggle to survive in polluted waters, while others are more tolerant. By telling us what life you see in your local pond you’ll discover more about the water's health and contribute to valuable scientific research.

Please show care and respect to our environment.

Ponds and lakes are home to many important creatures.

Simple tests for water clarity and pH, will provide further clues to the water quality.

How to take part

It's easy to join in. Start by downloading our free survey pack, which includes full instructions and identification guides.

Taking part and downloads

Need more pH strips?
Email your address and the number you require to Laura Hill, opal [at] imperial [dot] ac [dot] uk.

Submit your results

Once you've completed the survey, please take the time to submit your results using our simple online form. Your results are important to us, even if you didn't manage to finish all the activities.

Enter your results online

Problems entering your survey results online? Contact us or send your completed workbook and detailed location information to: FREEPOST RSCH-CHYJ-HYYC, OPAL, Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ.