Passionate about ponds
18/03/2008
The EYE Project
Residents of the North East are being asked for their help in protecting the region’s pond creatures by taking part in a new pond survey.
The Northumbrian Water Pond Survey has been produced with the EYE Project and the Tees Valley Biodiversity Partnership, and its results will be used to help protect the region’s wildlife for the future.
Naomi Hewitt, EYE Project co-ordinator, says:
“We would like people to get out and about this spring, and visit a pond near where they live – whether it’s a pond in a back garden, a school or a local park, they are all home to a huge variety of wildlife.
“If people spot any wildlife in the pond, from Great Crested Newts to Water Boatmen, we would like them to fill in a pond survey and send it back to us so we can record the findings.”
Copies of the Pond Survey are available by calling the EYE Project on (0191) 222 7868 or by visiting www.eyeproject.co.uk. Everyone who returns a survey will also receive a free pond pack, filled with activities and information.
Stuart Pudney, Northumbrian Water’s Conservation Team Leader, says:
“We would encourage everyone to keep an EYE out for wildlife in their local ponds, as findings will safeguard pond life for the future.
“Northumbrian Water is delighted to be supporting the Pond Survey as the environment is at the heart of everything we do.”
Please remember that ponds can be dangerous places. Children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult. Further information on safety can be found in the Pond Survey leaflet.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Safety advice:
Ponds can be dangerous if you do not take care. Please be aware that you are carrying out this survey at your own risk. Here are some of our safety tips:
• Do not attempt to enter the pond.
• Do not lean over the water or you may be in danger of falling in.
• Take care on banks around the pond: don’t stand on any ground that may be unstable.
• It is safer and more fun to survey with a friend. Always let someone know where you are going.
• Ensure that any children are supervised.
• Wash your hands afterwards.
The Exploring Your Environment (EYE) Project aims to encourage everyone to get actively involved in learning about and safeguarding the environment.
The three year scheme is a Newcastle University project which is being managed by Tyne & Wear Museums and is sponsored by Northumbrian Water.
EYE has been made possible via a grant of £226,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund as well as funding from Northumbrian Water, Newcastle University, Tyne & Wear Museums, Natural England, Northumberland Wildlife Trust and Tyne & Wear Museums Business Partners.
The information gathered through this project will also help to shape the displays at the Hancock Museum as it is redeveloped as part of the £26 million Great North Museum Project which is due to open in 2009. Public access points will be created at the new museum, as well as a number of selected locations around the region.
The Tees Valley Biodiversity Partnership works to conserve, enhance and promote wildlife through the delivery of a Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) for the Tees Valley. There are six LBAPs in the North East. Visit www.nebiodiversity.org.uk to find out more.
Northumbrian Water supplies 2.6 million customers in the North East with water and wastewater services and respect for the environment is one of its core values. The company supports charitable, environmental and educational activities across the region, from Berwick down to North Yorkshire and across to the Pennines.
MEDIA CONTACT: Emma Pybus (0191) 277 2309
Email: emma.pybus@twmuseums.org.uk