Dew ponds, those mysterious man-made features of the rural English landscape, have a fascinating history that spans centuries. These artificial ponds were primarily constructed to provide water for livestock in areas where natural water sources were scarce, such as on high, chalky downlands.
The term “dew pond” itself is somewhat of a misnomer, as it suggests that these ponds were filled solely by the condensation of dew, whereas, in reality, they also collect rainwater and runoff.
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Origins and Construction
The exact origins of dew ponds are somewhat obscure, but they are believed to have been constructed as far back as the Neolithic period, around 4000 BC. However, it is during the medieval period that we find more substantial evidence of their existence, particularly in England’s South Downs.
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These regions, characterized by their lack of natural water bodies, likely necessitated the innovative creation of dew ponds to sustain both human and livestock populations.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, the role of dew ponds had evolved significantly, driven by the rapidly growing wool industry which dominated rural England. As sheep farming expanded across the dry, rolling hills of the downlands, the demand for accessible water sources surged.
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Constructing a dew pond required considerable skill and was often timed to coincide with the drier months to facilitate easier handling and settling of materials. The typical construction process began with a shallow, often circular excavation, ranging in diameter from 3 to 15 meters and about one meter deep.
The choice of a circular shape was strategic, designed to maximize surface area and thus enhance the collection of rainwater and reduce the evaporation rate.
Following the excavation, the critical phase of lining the pond commenced. Initially, a layer of straw was laid down, acting as a primitive but effective barrier to prevent the seepage of the overlaying material into the earth. This was followed by the addition of a thick layer of puddled clay.
Puddled Clay
Puddled clay, essentially a well-kneaded mixture of clay and water to achieve a dough-like consistency, was chosen for its excellent impermeable qualities. This clay lining was the heart of the dew pond’s functionality, ensuring that the contained water remained within the structure despite the porous nature of the surrounding soil.
In some cases, the construction process included an additional layer of chalk or lime above the clay. This layer served multiple functions: it further insulated the water against seepage and also reflected sunlight, reducing water loss through evaporation.
The inclusion of lime was particularly beneficial in maintaining the pH balance of the water, discouraging the growth of algae and keeping the water clean and fresh for longer periods.
A method of constructing the base layer using chalk puddle was described in ‘The Field’ on 14 December 1907. A Sussex farmer, born in 1850, recounts how he and his forefathers crafted dew ponds:
“The requisite hole having been excavated, the chalk was laid down layer by layer, while a team of oxen harnessed to a heavy broad-wheeled cart was drawn round and round the cup shaped hole to grind the chalk to powder. Water was then thrown over the latter as work progressed, and after nearly a day of this process, the resultant mass of puddled chalk, which had been reduced to the consistency of thick cream, was smoothed out with the back of a shovel from the centre, the surface being left at last as smooth and even as a sheet of glass. A few days later, in the absence of frost or heavy rain, the chalk had become as hard as cement, and would stand for years without letting water through. This old method of making dew ponds seems to have died out when the oxen disappeared from the Sussex hills, but it is evident that the older ponds, many of which have stood for scores of years practically without repair, are still more watertight than most modern ones in which Portland cement has been employed.“
The initial supply of water after construction must be provided by the builders, using artificial means. A preferred method was to arrange to complete the excavation in winter, so that any fallen snow could be collected and heaped into the centre of the pond to await melting.
History of Dew Ponds
The mystery surrounding dew ponds has intrigued many historians and scientists, yet until recent times, consensus on their ancient origins has remained elusive.
It was commonly believed, as Rudyard Kipling suggests in Puck of Pook’s Hill, that the knowledge of building dew ponds dates back to the earliest times, with the reference: “…the Flint Men made the Dewpond under Chanctonbury Ring.”
The two Chanctonbury Hill dew ponds, dating from the Neolithic period based on flint tools found nearby and their similarity to other dated earthworks, further substantiate this claim.
Additionally, landscape archaeology suggests that the occupants of the nearby hill fort, likely predating the extant late Bronze Age structure, used these ponds for watering cattle.
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Despite these ancient connections, a more tempered perspective comes from Maud Cunnington, a Wiltshire archaeologist, who, while not dismissing a prehistoric origin, describes such positive interpretations of the evidence as merely “flights of fancy.”
Nonetheless, a strong case for the antiquity of at least one Wiltshire dew pond exists. A land deed from 825 AD references Oxenmere at Milk Hill, Wiltshire, indicating that dew ponds were in use during the Saxon period.
Parliamentary Enclosures
The mid-eighteenth to mid-nineteenth century parliamentary enclosures also led to the creation of numerous new upland ponds, as traditional water sources for livestock became inaccessible. It has also been suggested that the nursery rhyme about Jack and Jill may actually refer to collecting water from a dew pond atop a hill, rather than from a well.
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Gilbert White, a naturalist writing in 1788, observed that during prolonged summer droughts, artificial ponds on the downs above his hometown of Selborne, Hampshire, retained their water, supporting flocks of sheep, while larger ponds in the valley below dried up.
In 1877, H. P. Slade noted that this was because the lower ponds accumulated debris from surface water drainage, rendering them shallow and quicker to deplete, unlike the higher, cleaner ponds.
Later observations indicated that on nights favourable for dew formation, a typical increase in water level of two to three inches was possible. However, the exact means by which dew ponds replenished remained controversial.
Experiments
Experiments conducted in 1885 to determine the source of the water concluded that dew forms not from airborne moisture but from moisture in the ground directly beneath the site of condensation, effectively ruling out dew as a replenishment source.
Other scientists have countered that these experiments overlooked the insulating effect of the straw and the cooling effect of the damp clay, which would keep the pond cooler than the surrounding earth and thus more likely to condense moisture.
These conclusions were challenged in the 1930s, pointing out that water’s heat-retaining capacity is far greater than that of earth, making the air above a pond in summer unlikely to attract condensation.
The deciding factor, it was concluded, is the size of the saucer-shaped basin around the pond: a larger basin captures more rainfall than a pond without such a feature.
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Dew ponds continue to dot the landscapes of southern England, the moorlands of North Derbyshire and Staffordshire, and Nottinghamshire, testament to their enduring utility and historical intrigue.
Uses of Dew Ponds
Dew ponds have historically played a very important role in rural Britain, particularly in the sustenance and management of livestock. In remote pastures, far removed from other water sources, these man-made reservoirs provided indispensable support for cattle and sheep.
During periods of drought and dry spells, dew ponds ensured a continuous supply of water, critical for the survival of these animals and, by extension, the livelihoods of those who depended on them.
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The benefits of dew ponds extended beyond their agricultural utility. These ponds created vital habitats for wildlife, acting as oases in otherwise dry uplands.
Amphibians, birds, insects, and small mammals thrived around these water bodies, which often served as the only source of water for miles. In this way, dew ponds contributed to maintaining biodiversity, offering a sanctuary for various species and supporting local ecosystems.
Decline and Restoration of Dew Ponds
The decline of dew ponds throughout the 20th century can largely be attributed to advances in modern farming techniques and the development of more reliable and extensive rural water supply systems.
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These technological advancements reduced the reliance on traditional water sources like dew ponds, leading to many of these structures falling into disuse and disrepair. As farming practices evolved and infrastructure improved, the once-vital dew ponds were often overlooked, their importance overshadowed by more contemporary solutions.
However, the late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen a notable revival of interest in dew ponds, spurred by growing ecological and historical awareness. This resurgence is fueled by a recognition of the ponds’ significant roles not only as historical artefacts but also as vital ecological niches.
Conservationists, historical societies, and local community groups have increasingly turned their attention to the restoration of these traditional water sources.
Restoration Projects
The restoration projects typically involve several stages, beginning with the assessment of the pond’s condition and historical configuration. Experts and volunteers work together to clear debris, re-line the pond with suitable impermeable materials, and, where necessary, reshape the structure to enhance water collection and retention.
These efforts are often supported by archival research and old records to ensure that the restoration work respects the pond’s original design and purpose.
In addition to restoring old dew ponds, there is also an interest in constructing new ones, particularly in regions where biodiversity initiatives are prioritized. These modern dew ponds are designed to mimic the traditional ones, using similar materials and techniques to create habitats for wildlife and to serve educational and community engagement purposes.
By integrating these new ponds into environmental conservation programs, they contribute to local biodiversity, providing habitats for amphibians, insects, and bird species.
Where You Can Find Dew Ponds
Dew ponds can be found in several regions across Britain, particularly in areas where natural sources of water are scarce and where traditional pastoral farming has been prevalent. Some of the most notable locations include:
- South Downs: This range of chalk hills that extends across the southeastern coastal counties of England is famous for its dew ponds. The South Downs have a dry, porous landscape, making these man-made water sources essential for watering livestock.
- Peak District: Located in central England, the Peak District features many dew ponds, particularly in the limestone areas of the White Peak, where natural water sources are not readily available.
- Wiltshire: The chalk landscapes of Wiltshire are home to several historic dew ponds, some of which have been restored in recent years to preserve their ecological and historical significance.
- North Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands: These areas, known for their rolling moorlands and harsher agricultural conditions, also feature dew ponds that have historically been used to support livestock.
- Nottinghamshire: Although not as common, dew ponds are also found in Nottinghamshire, serving similar purposes as those in more southern regions.
- Berkshire and Hampshire: These counties, particularly around areas like Newbury and the village of Selborne in Hampshire, have historic dew ponds that have been noted by naturalists such as Gilbert White.
