Dales Lakes and Ponds

Natural lakes and ponds are few and far between in the dales of the National Park. The biodiversity value of many of these has been lost due to widespread drainage and fertiliser enrichment. Two examples do however stand out Eshton Tarn and Semerwater. The latter is nationally important for its tall swamp habitats as described above is a large mesotrophic lake of national importance for its wetland habitats and a number of species such as crayfish, a rare cladoceran and wintering birds including whooper swans. Natural lakes and ponds are of high biodiversity importance. Consequently, ponds have been added to the UK list of priority habitats for biodiversity action.

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Dales Lakes & Ponds Habitat Action Plan (opens in new window)