Be part of pond network

The ARC project is set for its second pond survey training day in West Sussex and is encouraging more local people to get involved.
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The training takes place at Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve on 20 June and will focus on Wetland plants & Invasive species. The first session held on June 7 involved aquatic invertebrates & dragonflies.

The workshop will be led by Fran Southgate and Graeme Lyons from the Sussex Wildlife Trust. There will be a classroom session in the morning with a practical survey in the afternoon.

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The training will build the confidence of participants to be more active and able in protecting their local ponds and waterways. Ponds are one of the best water resources for wildlife, people and agricultural use, as well as being good for flood storage and buffering for climate change. As part of the ARC project we are trying to map the Arun & Rother ponds and assess their conditions. Conserving water resources has been identified as a priority for a number of the partners involved in the Arun and Rother Connections (ARC) project. This three-year landscape scale initiative is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Its aim is to promote a rich and thriving river system where wildlife flourishes and where people value the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

Fran Southgate, from the Sussex Wildlife Trust said, “We would really like people who can commit to at least a year of surveying, preferably longer. They would need independent transport or the ability to travel to sites locally. By getting involved with our work to map local water bodies in West Sussex, people can join a growing community of people who care about our unique landscapes and want to play their part in looking after them.”

Kate Whitton, the project’s volunteer coordinator said “The ARC project has lots of activities covering a range of abilities. Surveying pond flora and fauna is a great way to build your knowledge and really explore your local patch to find out what’s there”.

For more information contact Kate Whitton on 01273 775 333 or email [email protected] or visit www.arunwesternstreams.org.uk

Report contributed by ARC

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