Funding for ponds

Pond Restoration and Creation Grants in Cheshire East

Cheshire Wildlife Trust is awarding grants for the restoration and creation of ponds in Cheshire East under Natural England’s District Level Licensing scheme for Great Crested Newts. Eligible ponds must fall within the project target areas because newts are expected to colonise the ponds naturally from existing populations.

The scheme is capped at a maximum of 6 ponds per landholding and we offer £2,500 (+VAT) for each pond delivered to our specifications. Funding will be available for future pond maintenance and periodic monitoring will be provided.

To be eligible, each pond must:

Fall within the project target areas (covers much of Cheshire East)
Be located close to other ponds (within at least 500m)
Have a surface area at least 150m2 (>15m across)
Have a central depth of between 1m-2.5m
Be buffered from intensive agriculture and heavy grazing (fencing may be required)
Be located close to rough grassland, scrub or woodland (within 50m)
Not be connected to streams or ditches.

Additionally for ponds to be eligible for restoration, they must:

Dry out annually
Be full of silt, leaf litter and organic debris
Be completely over-shaded and dominated by scrub

Please note woodland ponds and ponds that already hold water year-round are not suitable for the scheme.

The scheme is not legally binding, but we do ask for your agreement to help ensure the ponds remain suitable for newts for the next 25 years, or for as long as you own or control the land. Guidance on pond creation and all necessary checks will be provided by Cheshire Wildlife Trust. If you are unable to create or restore ponds yourself, then it is possible for us to deliver the ponds on your behalf.