How it works
Landowners contact their relevant Habitat Delivery Body (HDB), and a site visit is arranged.
If the site is suitable, some desk checks need to be made - these include checking if the land is within a Strategic Opportunity Area, checking for any designations (such as SSSI status) and a few other things.
If the checks come back clear, your HDB will send over a Landowner Agreement which landowners have to sign - it is a non-legally binding agreement that lasts for 25 years.
The pond is created/restored, and a three month check will be carried out by the HBD so the pond can be documented.
During the 25-year agreement period, water samples are taken in years 2-5 and sent off for testing for the presence of GCN eDNA.
In years 8, 16 and 24, the scheme will pay for bespoke maintenance works.
Leaflet - Host a pond on your land!
Great crested newt by The Wildlife Trusts
How to apply
Ponds can be created or restored on public land and privately-owned land. Each landowner can apply for up to six ponds on their land. There is an incentive for landowners requesting two or more ponds.
If you have a patch of land that may be suitable for a DLL pond, or a current pond in need of restoration, then you can contact Pam Derbyshire via email on pderbyshire@lancswt.org.uk.
When making contact, please include a grid reference, postcode or map that shows the area. The first step is always to check if the land falls within a qualifying Strategic Opportunity Area and this information helps the Ponds Officer to complete these checks.