Boost for wildlife habitats in Stoke Park as major restoration project launched

Wildlife habitats in Stoke Park will see a boost this year as a major restoration project is launched. Work to restore three overgrown ponds is expected to benefit frogs, beetles, dragonflies and aquatic snails.

The three ponds will soon become “thriving oases for wildlife” according to Bristol City Council chiefs. The project is partly funded by Natural England and some of the work will be carried out by local volunteers.

The restoration project forms part of the council’s wider work on improving ecology and local wildlife in Bristol. Although some of that ecology work is currently being questioned, with construction taking place elsewhere on green spaces in the city, like Ashton Vale.

Writing on the mayor’s blog, Councillor Ellie King, cabinet member for communities and public health, said: “Ponds of any size are havens for a wide variety of freshwater species such as amphibians, aquatic plants and invertebrates. Unfortunately, ponds are under increasing threat nationally, with one estimate putting the loss of ponds over the last century in the UK at 50 per cent.

Two of these ponds being restored are historic cobble lined ponds – photo: Bristol City Council

“Over the years, the ponds at Stoke Park Estate have become overgrown with vegetation and silted up. However, these three ponds will soon become thriving oases for wildlife in Bristol once again. The wonderful array of wildlife that depends on pond ecosystems includes frogs, beetles, dragonflies, water fleas, shrimp and aquatic snails.”

Some funding for the restoration project was received by Natural England, as part of a scheme for great crested newts, whose population is declining. Some of the restoration work will be carried out by volunteers from the Stoke Park Community Group.

Bristol City Council declared an ecological emergency in 2020, in response to the alarming declining rates of wildlife and natural habitats in the city and around the world. Then in 2021, the council published its ecological action plan, pledging to take action on improving habitats across the city, such as ponds and lakes.

Another aquatic habitat to recently see huge work is the lake in St George Park, which reopened in October after a £400,000 restoration project. The lake was closed for 10 months, but the restoration project is expected to help more animals and plants survive.

Map of the ponds in Stoke Park. The council claims at least one of the ponds will be completed in time for the great crested newts breeding season in spring – photo: Bristol City Council

Ellie King added: “When we declared an ecological emergency, we committed to doing as much as we could to bring back lost wildlife to communities in Bristol.

“Through investment in projects such as this, and more recently the restoration of and improvements of St George Park lake, we aim to provide more habitats for animal and plant life to flourish in the city.”

Elsewhere, next week council chiefs will face claims that allowing building on green spaces across Bristol “flies in the face” of their environmental pledges. More than 7,000 petitioned the council to stop building on green spaces, forcing a debate which will be held on Tuesday, January 10.

Alex Seabrook is a local democracy reporter for Bristol

Main photo: Bristol City Council

Read next:

• All-weather path officially opens in Stoke Park
• Ashton court disc golf course will not be scrapped, says mayor
• Bristol park groups call on council to ‘urgently fund our parks’
• Avon Wildlife trust receives grant of over 235,000

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