Crowdfunder for a new Wildlife Pond at Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary based in Hertfordshire

We are Crowdfunding to create a new wildlife pond providing homes to a range of animals including newts, frogs, toads, dragonflies and many other invertebrates.

If we can reach £5,000 then Hertfordshire County Council will also match fund £2,500

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/wildlife-pond-in-hertfordshire

• Fundraiser Starts 30th October 2023

• Fundraiser Ends 4th December 2023

Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary is located on the same lands that made up Grahame Dangerfield's Animal Sanctuary and still uses many of the original pens and cages. The sanctuary is based in Harpenden/Wheathampstead in Hertfordshire with 10 acres of woodland and open fields home to all kinds of local wildlife including Barn Owls, Bats, Deer, Foxes, Hedgehogs, Rabbits and more.

HISTORY OF WILDLIFE PONDS IN HERTFORDSHIRE:

Ponds are a critical part of Hertfordshire’s natural capital, providing homes to a range of animals including newts, frogs, toads, dragonflies and many other invertebrates. A map study in 1986 revealed that in just under one hundred years the total number of ponds in the county almost halved, from 7,007 in 1882 to 3,595 in 1978 (Herts County Council, 1987). Many were lost during the period 1955-85 as agricultural practices changed, particularly the change from pasture to arable. Currently, 3086 ponds are shown on the Ordnance Survey maps while the Hertfordshire Habitat Survey 1994-96 found 2608 ponds. The condition of ponds is also declining. The 1986 survey (based on a sample of 730 ponds) revealed that 80% were in a poor condition. Only 3% supported a reasonable flora and fauna. In 1993 The Wildlife Trust re-surveyed 50 of the ponds identified in 1986 as being of the highest quality in order to try to assess any trends. Of these 50 ponds only two (4%) were found to be well managed, while, alarmingly, five (10%) had been destroyed. The remainder (86%) were either poorly or un-managed. In light of this, pond restoration, management and creation are all a priority for Hertfordshire.

Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary (http://www.hwhs.org.uk)

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