Water and wildlife return to 'neglected' Clavering ponds

Two historical farmland ponds have seen water and wildlife return after a successful restoration scheme. The ponds on the Hertfordshire-Essex border, close to Clavering, have held water throughout summer for the first time in more than a decade. Affinity Water, which funded the project, said farmland ponds were "one of the UK's most threatened habitats". Since the restoration in 2024, the company said wildlife had begun to return – including smooth newts breeding in both ponds. It said the previously neglected ponds had filled with sediment and become heavily shaded. Work was carried out to coppice surrounding trees, to allow more sunlight to reach the water, as well as restoring the original pond basins. Surveys recorded ten additional aquatic plant species in each pond after the project was completed. Affinity is encouraging people to apply for grants of up to £5,000 to carry out further biodiversity projects. Its Rooting for Wildlife scheme provides £80,000 to support community groups, schools, landowners and charities to improve ecosystems. The Clavering ponds restoration was overseen by FWAG East (Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group). Its pond conservationist Jilly McNaughton