Water levels at Shibdon Pond have recovered recently following rainfall in October. To date, the inflows to the pond have not resumed running, but we believe this is normal and that there is a long lag between rainfall and the pond receiving water from the mine-fed streams. We are continuing to work with partners and funders to look at options for improving the habitat, understanding the hydrology, and mitigating for climate change and extreme weather in the future.
As local residents will be aware, the water levels at Shibdon continue to be low. The recent heavy rain has begun to make a difference, but before water levels rise significantly the mud and silt substrate will have to become fully saturated, and the inflows that recharge the pond will need to resume flowing.
Although the recovery of the pond will be dependent on natural processes, it very much remains an active priority for the Trust. In response to a request for a meeting, we met representatives of the newly established 'Friends of Shibdon Pond and Meadow' group last week. It was a constructive session and the passion that people have for the reserve and its wildlife was evident. While we, and the Environment Agency, continue to feel that the primary driver behind the loss of water this year has been the lack of rainfall and dry weather, a number of questions have been raised about whether nearby development over the preceding decade could have affected the volume of water reaching the pond. At the moment, we don’t know the answer to these questions, but we have taken action to escalate these concerns with the relevant authorities and agencies and will provide further updates here and to the 'Friends of' group.
Another matter raised was in relation to the wildlife around the pond and the effect that the lack of water will have had. It is clear that the pond drying out will have negatively affected some species, although in all likelihood this will have been to the benefit of others. Many species associated with freshwater ponds are well adapted to dynamic and temporary water bodies, either by having short reproductive cycles, high productivity, drought tolerance, or by the ability to disperse and find water elsewhere. It should be noted that the site has retained water in some areas and these will also have provided some refuge.
Wildlife and nature will recover from occasional periods of drought, it is a normal occurrence, however, it is likely that climate change will make extreme weather events and conditions much more likely in the future. Consequently, we will continue to seek opportunities and funding to help mitigate this in the future.
We were asked by the representatives from 'Friends of Shibdon Pond and Meadow' about what they could do to help. As mentioned, the pond is going to have to recharge naturally, but the reserve has a variety of habitats present and work continues around the site to manage these for nature. For example, staff and volunteers have recently been cutting and removing scrub to preserve some of the flower rich grasslands. We would be thrilled if you are interested in joining us, you can see volunteering opportunities on our website here.
Ultimately, the pond needs reliable water supplies to maintain and restore levels. It isn’t fed by any main tributaries or rivers, so it is dependent on local rainfall. That said, the Trust’s conservation team is currently assessing and pursuing management options, and funding sources, which we hope will help mitigate the situation in future years by increasing the amount of water that the pond is able to hold at the end of the winter.
We have outlined below the reasons for the pond drying out, what we are doing about it and what the future holds. We hope that this information clears up any misunderstandings and reassures visitors to the nature reserve.
There are a number of factors contributing to the loss of water but the key issue has been the extreme dry weather and heat that has affected many ponds and reservoirs across region. The inflows at Shibdon ran dry earlier in the year – the pond isn’t connected to any major tributaries – so there has been limited capability to replenish water levels during dry periods. Shallow water bodies with a large surface area are prone to rapid evaporation in hot dry periods, and as Shibdon is shallow with lots of surrounding vegetation, the dry weather has significantly affected the pond.
No, this is incorrect, and it should be noted that the sluice is not locked in an open position. It is actually set to hold as much water as possible when the levels rise. The sluice only provides the means to control the water levels within a specified range and, at the low end of this, the sluice/ outflow become independent of the pond, and consequently have no bearing on the current water level. However, we are assessing the function of the sluice and planning works to improve its performance so that it holds back as much water as we want prior to the summer, and reduces water levels as much as needed for wading birds during the peak of winter.
Firstly, we would like to reassure people that the water level at Shibdon Pond is a priority for the Trust. The area is being checked regularly, with wildlife welfare a key priority. Investigations are underway to assess the local hydrology to see if that has reduced the amount of water that the pond receives. The Trust is also working on developing projects and bidding for funding to undertake management changes which could enhance the pond for wildlife and mitigate against dry periods and drought in the future.
While we appreciate that it is troubling to look at, people should be reassured that birds have high capability to disperse and move on to other wetland areas. Most young birds are fledged, and even unfledged birds can be led considerable distances by adults to water sources. Many of the birds can graze grass and non-aquatic vegetation, and the exposed mud will ultimately provide opportunities for wading birds.
The pond is dependent on rainfall and its inflows to recharge, so there is little that can be done to make a material difference without a prolonged wet spell. It may take a considerable length of time for water levels to be restored.
We can all do more to reduce our consumption and conserve water at home:
Please check back on our website for the latest information. For other enquiries, please ring 0191 5843112 or email mail@durhamwt.co.uk
