Pond Protection Orders

HC Deb 20 February 1996 vol 272 cc63-4W

Mr. Chris Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from organisations seeking legislation to introduce pond protection orders to assist the conservation of ponds as wildlife habitats; and if he will make a statement. [15435]

Mr. Clappison

I understand that my Department has received one representation in recent years.

Ponds have an important part to play as a habitat for wildlife. A survey published in 1994 showed that the number of ponds in Great Britain declined between 1984 and 1990, but that there was some evidence of new ponds being created more recently for farming and wildlife reasons. My Department is commissioning further research to look at more recent trends and to make a qualitative assessment of the national pond resource. The results should be available next year.