A CONSERVATION project at Roadford Lake has just been completed, enhancing the wildlife value of the area for flora, fauna — and visitors.

A series of scrapes and small ponds were excavated to add valuable wetland habitats and to expand the pond creation works that formed part of the wider 2009 Biodiversity Project between South West Water, South West Lakes Trust, West Devon Borough Council, Pennon Environmental Fund, Pond Conservation — Million Ponds Project and the Environment Agency.

The original project saw the creation of a pond and boardwalk in Roadford Forest which is used to host visiting school groups who enjoy learning about these nationally rare habitats and the amazing biodiversity that they support. The adjacent field also saw a beneficial change when a series of ponds and scrapes were dug to enhance the wildlife value of an existing rush pasture.

Last month saw the excavation of a network of ponds and scrapes to improve an existing wildlife rich area and contribute to the mosaic of habitats in situ. Roe deer are regularly seen using this area while tawny owl, kestrel, sparrowhawk, buzzard, green woodpecker, woodcock, snipe, common frog, common toad and grass snake are amongst the plethora of wildlife spotted using this area.

The initial ponds have matured and provide suitable habitat for breeding amphibians and a range of aquatic invertebrates, with the mud snail Omphiscola glabra being a notable rarity.

The new pond and scrape system should provide additional habitat and contribute to biodiversity on a regional and national scale.

For more information about the project or other conservation work at Roadford please email Paul Lott, South West Lakes Trust countryside warden, at [email protected]">[email protected] or call 01566 771930.