Ponds, Seed Islands and Leaky Dams

May 2023

This project was completed in May 2003 and comprised:

2 Ponds, totaling 354m2, dug by McGowan Environmental with advice from the Cairngorms National Park Authority. These ponds were supported by the British Dragonfly Society as part of a project to increase habitat for Northern Damselfly.

5 Seed Islands, these 3m2 and 4m2 enclosures create a haven for new trees as deer are reluctant to enter such an enclosed space. As they mature these trees will create a seed source, spreading seed across the surrounding area. The seed islands were planted with: 50 Rowan, 40 Alder, 30 Aspen, 50 Downy Birch and 30 Wild Cherry saplings

8 Leaky Dams, created with logs hand felled on site, these dams slow down the passage of water, producing quality habitat for insects and amphibians

An excavator digs out one of the ponds. The dimensions were based on advice from the British Dragonfly Society and the Cairngorms National Park Authority, with a combination of deep and shallow sections, and steep and shallow banks

The wildlife ponds as seen several months after completion

A rare Northern Damselfly at one of the ponds.

A seed island, a couple of months after planting

Bringing in pine logs for the leaky dams which were hand felled on site

A leaky dam in summer, the willow cuttings have started to sprout

A leaky dam in summer. The posts stop deer from using it as a crossing and trampling the plants