Pete the Pond: Why Climate Change Makes Water Our Most Precious Resource

“A pond is truly remarkable,” says Pete, a passionate pond builder from Eastbourne. At 63, he creates around 50 ponds a year and has 42 in his garden. He also keeps nine tanks indoors, showing his dedication to aquatic life.

Recently, Pete led a team of five at Ducky Pond in Broadbridge Heath. Despite a tough week of rain, the mild weather brought an unexpected sense of hope. Wearing his “lucky hat,” Pete was accompanied by Mango, his lively sun conure parakeet, who’s always ready to entertain.

Today, Pete and his crew aren’t diving into the pond’s deep waters. Instead, they’re trimming back brambles to promote biodiversity. “We want to keep the wildlife thriving,” he explained. The chopped branches will provide homes for various creatures like slow worms, grass snakes, and newts. “Even rotting wood brings life, fostering fungi,” he added.

However, not all is well in the Ducky Pond. A koi carp, dumped by an irresponsible owner, threatens the ecosystem. But, as Pete points out, the pond also houses beneficial fish like sticklebacks.

Safety is a priority; the team is cautious with the muddy, slippery banks. They’ve created a platform for kids to safely explore. Their goal is to enhance the pond with more plants, creating a habitat for aquatic species like irises and purple loosestrife. “We’re restoring life here,” Pete said with conviction.

Pond maintenance isn’t just about plants; sometimes it’s a risky job. Once, during a winter project, Pete found himself stuck in ice. His adventurous spirit shines through despite losing most of his right leg in a motorbike accident at 18. “It’s just a leg,” he chuckled, “You can still live a full life. I even go snowboarding!”

When working with children, Pete shares his story. He wants them to see that disabilities shouldn’t hold you back. He jokingly notes he’s on leg number 32, proving he’s never let challenges stop him. “At the annual Pirate Day, I even won ‘Pirate of the Year’,” he added with a smile.

Originally a jeweller, Pete’s love for nature was evident from a young age. He took a pond warden course in 2000, at a time when England was reportedly losing 9,000 ponds annually. The UK has lost half its ponds in the last century. But thanks to efforts like the Million Ponds Project, there’s been a slight recovery of about six percent over the past decade, according to the Sussex Wildlife Trust.

Despite these efforts, many surviving ponds suffer from poor conditions. Pete pointed out the lack of oxygenating plants in the Ducky Pond, vital for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. “When I give talks, I show how many creatures rely on ponds for water,” he noted. “From butterflies to deer, they all depend on this precious resource.” With climate change making ponds even more crucial, they help manage flood risks and cool the air.

Not everyone understands Pete’s passion. In 2021, his eco-garden faced scrutiny after a neighbor complained. Thanks to a petition with 46,000 signatures, and even a supportive letter from Sir David Attenborough, the matter was resolved.

Ponds also hold historical significance. They were once used for farming and industry. Some, like the Amberly village pond, are over 2,000 years old. Recently, while cleaning a garden pond, Pete discovered it was a Victorian bottle dump, revealing hidden tales from the past. Next, he’s set to restore ancient dew ponds at Beachy Head.

In his quest to revive local ponds, Pete has caught the attention of several public figures, including news presenter Natasha Kaplinsky and comedian Steve Coogan. His work was even featured in a short film and a Channel 4 show where he helped Sandi Toksvig create a wildlife pond.

As Pete wraps up for the day at Ducky Pond, he reflects, “Getting involved in ponds has shown me how much life they support.” Watching the water and the wildlife enriches his well-being and brings joy to all who visit. “It’s not just about ponds; it’s about the life and stories they hold.”

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