Ponds, people and the built environment : a socio-ecological perspective

Gledhill, D

Abstract

Blue / green spaces within urban areas offer a variety of services to human
populations as well as habitats for other species. Ponds, despite their designation as
nationally important habitats in the UK, are among the least well studied urban
habitats. Urban planning policy in the UK is moving towards increasing urban density
rather than urban expansion. While compact cities offer benefits in terms of resource
utilisation and transportation, they also place increased pressure on blue/green spaces.
Ponds offer an ideal microcosm for exploring issues of urban ecology within differing
urban settings. Data were collected from thirty seven ponds (a 10% random sample)
in the urban area of Halton, northwest England over a three year period (2005 -
2007). A range of complimentary methods were employed to analyses the impact of
ecological, chemical and physical parameters, landscape structure and socio-economic
factors on pond ecology within both traditional urban centres and a designated New
Town development. These data were compared to data, collected in 2006, from fifty
one ponds in the adjacent rural landscape of Cheshire. This allowed analysis of
variations in pond ecology along an urbanisation gradient. While the species richness
of ponds within Halton was comparable with national indicators, they were
significantly lower than their rural neighbours in Cheshire. Data also showed that
increasing urban density, in already urbanised areas, has less impact on species
richness than urban expansion into more rural locations. The most significant impact
on pond species numbers was the density of ponds within the surrounding landscape.
This research offers insights into the impact of urban development on pond ecology,
and suggests the potential impact of future developments and how this may be
ameliorated.

Citation

Gledhill, D. Ponds, people and the built environment : a socio-ecological perspective. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2010