Found across all of Greater Lincolnshire ponds, lakes and reservoirs are features of our landscape. These water features may be practical as in reservoirs for drinking or irrigation; or for amenity as in lakes in country parks; or for wildlife as in some garden ponds.

Ponds, lakes and reservoirs are important for wildlife for three reasons, firstly as the amount of these habitats has declined hugely. It is thought that the number of ponds in the landscape is a quarter of what it was 100 years ago, so what remains is precious. Secondly many of the habitats that remain have declined in quality, so those habitats that are still high quality or can be returned to high quality are precious. Thirdly these habitats are home to a staggering variety of wildlife, not only wildlife that live in fresh stillwaters but wildlife that lives upon the fringes of such habitats – such as birds that live in the vegetation around lakes and rely on them for food.

There are a multitude of types of ponds, lakes and reservoirs of all size, uses and origins. While many of these may look similar they may behave differently in different conditions according to how they are managed and the water used. More in depth knowledge is required to determine when each kind of water body is in good condition.