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Socio-economic variables as indicators of pond conservation value in an urban landscape

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Abstract

Despite their designation as nationally important habitats in the UK, ponds are among the least well studied of urban habitats. Ponds, as well as existing in a physical landscape, are part of human socio-economic landscapes, especially those in towns and cities. Socio-economic, ecological and land cover data were collected from thirty seven ponds in the urban area of Halton, northwest England over a 3 year period. Significant variation was observed in the CCI Scores for ponds in different Output Area Classifications. Within postcode districts there was a significantly negative correlation between increasing house prices and decreasing BMWP scores. This research offers insights into the impact of urban development on pond ecology, and suggests the potential impacts of future developments and how these may be ameliorated. The research contributes towards the understanding of freshwater systems in the urban context and the relationship between the human and natural elements of urban green and blue spaces.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank: Andrew Harmer Consultants and Bill Bellamy Associates for species data collected as part of the Heritage Lottery Funded project “Making the Most of Halton’s Ponds” and Paul Oldfield (Halton Borough Council) for granting access to pond sites and funding for equipment and transport.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Science, University of Salford, Peel Building, The Crescent, Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 4WT, England

    David G Gledhill & Philip James

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  1. David G Gledhill
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  2. Philip James
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Correspondence to David G Gledhill.

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Gledhill, D.G., James, P. Socio-economic variables as indicators of pond conservation value in an urban landscape. Urban Ecosyst 15, 849–861 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11252-012-0242-7

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