Pondwatch returns for fifth year running

Islanders interested in nature are encouraged to take part in assessing Jersey’s pond life and attend a free training event on Saturday 28 January.

 There are two different ways to get involved in Pondwatch depending on interest, availability, and experience: 

• Level 1 – spend 30 minutes observing wildlife in ponds and send results to Pondwatch. Previous experience or training is not required 
• Level 2 – carry out five surveys between 30 to 60 minutes between January and May, using visual searches, netting, and night time torch surveys. No experience needed but are required to attend the training event 

The free training event will run between 10am and 3pm at Frances Le Sueur Centre in St Ouen. Islanders taking part in Level 2 are required to attend, Islanders taking part in Level 1 are also encouraged to attend although it is not mandatory.

Islanders can view the training day schedule, which includes various talks and demonstrations, and reserve a spot at Pondwatch JE training 2023 Eventbrite. At the end of the session, there will be an opportunity to sign up as a Wild Volunteer for Pondwatch and to access other Wild About Jersey schemes.

The data collected from Pondwatch will be added to previously collected data from the past four years which helps to monitor the health of ponds.

Nina Cornish, Environment Manager in Biodiversity, said: “This year is Pondwatch’s fifth anniversary, and I am so impressed how well it has been going. Monitoring Jersey’s ponds and pondlife is vital to understanding their health. Even small ponds can support a wealth of wildlife and collectively, ponds play a key role in supporting freshwater wildlife.

“Pondwatch is the successor to the National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme which ran between 2007 and 2018, and Toadwatch which ran between 2005 and 2018. During this time, our volunteers provided us with a great deal of information which has helped inform the design of Pondwatch.

“Anyone who is interested in getting involved is encouraged to sign up via Pondwatch JE training 2023 Eventbrite or email wildaboutjersey@gov.je . To find out more about becoming a Wild Volunteer please visit gov.je online for more information. It is a great opportunity for Islanders of all ages who have an interest in nature.”

Those attending the event should wear warm, waterproof clothing, and bring wellington boots. Light refreshments will be provided on the day.