Join the Big Pond Thaw Survey
Figures from the Met Office early this month have confirmed that December 2010 was the coldest December across the UK since the national series began in 1910. Following the thaw, Pond Conservation has had many reports of fish and amphibian mortalities countrywide. It looks as though there will be a repeat of the large numbers of dead frogs and fish that were seen in ponds last February.
To understand better what is causing these deaths, and how effective simple strategies, like running a pump, making a hole in the ice or brushing off snow are in reducing mortalities, they have re-launched their Big Pond Thaw for 2010/11. They are using this information to try and get a fuller picture of this phenomenon across the whole of the winter period. It will also help them plan more detailed research on some of the technical issues, such as whether ‘toxic’ gases play a role in the mortalities.
Over the past 6 weeks they have had a great response, from their members and others, and have already received several hundred survey forms. However, they would still be grateful for any records of fish or amphibian deaths you are experiencing, plus a bit about the background to your pond. Even if you have not found any dead creatures, they would still like to hear about your pond, since this provides important clues about what will help protect amphibians.
To take part in the online Big Pond Thaw survey, just follow the web-link