The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) today launch the joint working publication, 'Ponds, pools and lochans: guidance on good practice in the management and creation of small waterbodies in Scotland' during a site visit to the Royal Society Protection of Birds (RSPB) reserve at Vane Farm, Kinross. The guidance document has been published by SEPA and Pond Action as part of SEPA's Habitat Enhancement Initiative (HEI), which promotes the conservation and enhancement of aquatic habitats.

The main aim of the 'Ponds, pools and lochans' publication is to provide a summary of new information about the conservation and management of small waterbodies and to point the way towards additional sources of technical advice and information.


Jeremy Biggs of Pond Action, leading author of the publication, said "Ponds are often very rich habitats, particularly important for aquatic invertebrates, wetland plants and amphibians. They are used by a variety of mammals, birds and fish, especially where ponds form part of a mosaic of wetland habitats.

"In many parts of Scotland, processes such as drainage and river channelisation have considerably reduced opportunities for natural pond formation. In these areas man-made ponds provide essentially similar habitat type for pond wildlife, if designed and managed sensitively."

SEPA is delighted to be able to launch this new document at RSPB's Vane Farm Reserve and is pleased to be holding the site visit in partnership with the RSPB. Vane Farm RSPB Nature Reserve was initially acquired in 1967. The low lying land on the periphery of Loch Leven attracts breeding birds such as lapwing, redshank and skylark while retaining wintering populations of waterfowl. This area is targeted by RSPB Scotland for wetland creation and restoration. Advisers from Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Farming Wildlife Advisory Group will also be attending the site visit. During the visit RSPB staff and visitors will discuss management techniques used to enhance the existing wetland habitats at Vane Farm and the opportunities for applying these techniques to small scale projects.

Dr Patricia Bradley, RSPB Regional Manager and an HEI Project Board Member said:
"SEPA's Habitat Enhancement Initiative is a welcome step towards recognition, restoration and conservation of important wetland and aquatic habitat in Scotland. 'Ponds Pools and Lochans', as the first in a series of documents, sets an excellent standard. "

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Ponds, pools and lochans' has been produced in partnership with key environmental organisations in Scotland, including the RSPB, in association with Pond Action. The publication is intended for all those involved in the management and creation of small waterbodies, including statutory environmental agencies, environmental NGOs, landowners, local authority engineers and planners, developers and environmental consultants. It is hoped that it will encourage organisations, including SEPA, to work in partnership and facilitate measurable environmental improvements.

Directions to Vane Farm:
The Nature Centre lies on the south shore of Loch Leven on the B9097, two miles east of junction 5 on the M90, 25 miles north of Edinburgh.

Information on Vane Farm:
The marshy grassland and wetland vegetation at Vane Farm is managed with a 'no input' regime of winter grazing, a grazing break of April/July, followed by mowing and then aftermath grazing. The cattle are highland.