Two ponds at The Sir Joseph Banks Park, next to Jenny’s Wood in Boston, are set to be transformed into thriving wildlife havens thanks to a new collaboration between Boston Woods Trust and the national charity Froglife.
The ponds, which were originally created to support local biodiversity, have become increasingly overgrown in recent years. As a result, they no longer provide the best environment for amphibians such as frogs, toads and newts. With the help of Froglife’s expertise and resources, the aim is to restore the ponds so they can once again support a wide range of species.
Work is expected to begin in the coming weeks. One end of each pond will be cleared to let in more sunlight, creating warmer water that is vital for amphibian breeding and the development of spawn. The other end of the ponds will be left as they are, ensuring there is still plenty of vegetation to provide food and cover for insects and foraging wildlife.
To add to the improvements, soil from the clearing work will be shaped into a south-facing bund — a small embankment that will provide an ideal sunbathing spot for amphibians and other creatures. This combination of shaded, open, and sunlit areas is expected to bring the ponds back into balance, creating a much richer and more sustainable habitat.
As well as carrying out the restoration, Froglife will be offering training to local volunteers so that the ponds can continue to be maintained in the future. This means the project is not just about improving the space in the short term, but also about ensuring it remains a thriving environment for years to come.
A spokesperson for Boston Woods Trust said: “We are excited to be working with Froglife to renovate 2 ponds in The Sir Joseph Banks Park by Jenny’s Wood. Since being established these ponds have become overgrown and no longer provide a good habitat for amphibians. Froglife are using their skills and resources to help us remedy this.
“In the next few weeks the ponds will be being restored to complement the surrounding habitat and create suitable breeding conditions for amphibians.
The Sir Joseph Banks Park is part of the wider Boston Woods project, which has been steadily transforming green spaces across the town for the benefit of both wildlife and the local community. The latest initiative builds on this long-term vision, ensuring that Boston has high-quality natural areas for people and nature to enjoy together.
Residents interested in volunteering, or simply learning more about the project, are being encouraged to get in touch with Boston Woods Trust.
