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

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.