London Tails of Amphibian Discovery: Wandsworth

The project will restore Argyle Limpsfield pond which is located in the Southfields area of Wandsworth Borough. There is a system of ponds formed of two main ponds, fed from a much smaller additional pond that previously formed the base of a man-made waterfall, and a narrow channel that runs to a drain.

One of the ponds has become over-shaded which means that the water does not get warm enough for amphibian spawning and development. The restoration will involve reducing the over-shading to increase the light levels to the pond which in turn will increase the water temperature.

The works will include giving the pond a good clear out removing the parrots feather and debris within the pond which is affecting the water quality. This will be undertaken through manual hand pulling by Froglife staff. The pond will be planted to ensure that there is sufficient vegetation for egg laying and to attract invertebrates an important food source for amphibians.