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The BAP Species Map, recently updated to provide information on 101 of our rarest and most threatened pond-associated species, is a useful tool that helps to target pond creation effort to benefit the wildlife that most needs it. The BAP Species Map also provides a brief description of the plant or animal, and tips on creating and looking after their pond habitat. For many species, there is also a link to a more detailed species dossier which brings together current knowledge about a species and its habitat requirements and provides technical information on pond creation for that species. The distribution data for restricted species is based on 1km data drawn directly from the NBN but verified and updated by specialist organisations, ensuring the quality and reliability of the information.
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From the BAP Species Map: Coral-necklace Illecebrum verticillatum is a prostrate plant of seasonally-flooded pools on sandy heathland and acid grasslands. It has reddish stems with dense clusters of small white flowers. It requires bare ground or a very short sward. As with many species associated with this habitat type it has declined along with the loss of traditional landscape management, namely extensive grazing. It is currently classified as Nationally Scarce in the UK.
Image of Illicebrum verticillatum courtesy of Naomi Ewald
The BAP Species Map is just one of a suite of tools produced by the Million Ponds Project, a partnership led by Pond Conservation that aims to bring about a dramatic change to pond creation practices and bring clean water back to the British landscape. The factsheets and species dossiers that together form the Pond Creation Toolkit have been produced in partnership with the leading national experts in each field. They are free to download from the Million Ponds Project website.
The Million Ponds Project was launched in February 2009 and partners have since been striving to create thousands of new clean water ponds, and initiate a step change in our understanding and attitude toward freshwater conservation. If you want to know more, or would like to discuss some pond creation plans of your own, visit the website and get in touch with the Million Ponds Project team.