Ecology
‘Look closely at nature. Every species is a masterpiece, exquisitely adapted to the particular environment in which it has survived.’ – E.O Wilson
‘Look closely at nature. Every species is a masterpiece, exquisitely adapted to the particular environment in which it has survived.’ – E.O Wilson
These shallow, saucer shaped ponds lined with clay, chalk or marl and studded with broken stone, to protect the lining from livestock hooves, are a familiar sight in the White Peak in Derbyshire.
Positioned towards the top of the park, these beautiful ponds were intended for watering livestock, with the water, despite their name, being provided by rainfall not by dew or mist. They still serve their original function but now also provide an important habitat to a wide range of wildlife, including the Great Crested Newt (Triurus cristatus).
Great crested newts are the largest of Britain’s newt species and have been around for approximately 40 million years. Due to severe declines in the last century they are a protected species.
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