Work underway to improve dew pond at Lancing Ring

Work is underway to improve a dew pond at Lancing Ring, with the existing pond being widened and deepened to help it retain water and provide a healthier habitat for wildlife.

Adur District Council said contractors began work at the nature reserve on Tuesday. The pond, which is man-made and often dries out, is having its old lining removed and replaced. A smaller pond is also being created nearby to give dogs a separate place to splash and cool off, reducing disturbance and the risk of flea treatments washing into the dew pond and harming aquatic and insect life.

Both ponds will be left to fill naturally with rainwater once the work is complete, while measures will also be introduced to protect the dew pond from unwanted access. The project has received around £18,800 from the South Downs National Park Authority’s Pounds for Ponds fund, and the council expects the work to be completed over the next couple of weeks.