Imagine a hidden world, teeming with life, resurrected from what was once lost. That's the incredible story unfolding at Mount Stewart in Northern Ireland, the setting for Winterwatch 2026. But it's not just about pretty scenery; it's about a dedicated effort to bring back 'ghost ponds' – and the astonishing natural treasures they hold. These aren't your typical ghostly apparitions, but rather forgotten bodies of water, brought back to life.
Toby Edwards, a National Trust ranger, has been on a mission since 2015 to rediscover and restore these lost water features. He saw them as a "no-brainer" way to revitalize the landscape, and so far, seven have been brought back from the brink, with plans for at least ten more. Ten years prior, when the National Trust acquired the surrounding 900 acres, wetland areas were scarce.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that focusing on restoring these smaller ponds detracts from addressing larger environmental issues affecting broader ecosystems. What do you think? Should conservation efforts prioritize these smaller, localized projects, or should the focus be on tackling larger, more systemic problems?
Just a stone's throw from the Winterwatch tepee, a pond resurrected a mere two years ago is now a vibrant hub of biodiversity. "We've been finding new species here that haven't been recorded across the peninsula in County Down for decades," Edwards excitedly shares. And it gets even better: last year, they discovered the screech beetle, a species never before seen in Northern Ireland!
The real "magic," as Edwards calls it, lies buried at the bottom of these long-lost ponds. The seeds of all the plant species that once thrived there remain dormant in the sediment, waiting for their chance to re-emerge. When the pond is excavated and restored, these sediments are spread around the area, and life springs back almost instantly. It's like a time capsule of nature, suddenly reopened. "So we've got species here that you would expect to find from a 30, 40, 50, 100-year-old pond, but it is only technically two years old," he explains.
And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about bringing back the water; it's about unlocking the potential that's already there, hidden beneath the surface.
Starwort, an oxygenating plant, dances in the water, providing a home for raft spiders that skillfully navigate the surface. Towering bulrushes, reaching over a meter in height, sway gently in the breeze. And on the pond bed, Ramshorn snails diligently crawl, feeding on the blue-green algae that plagues Lough Neagh and other water bodies across Northern Ireland. This snail is so important, it's on the priority list for species needing conservation support in Northern Ireland. Reinstating these ponds is actively helping this species thrive.
"We had the emperor dragonfly turn up in this pond's first year, we saw a female laying eggs around the muds, around the outside," Edwards recalls. "We've had new species like the screech beetle turn up. But this goes all the way - even all the regulars that were here, it's halted those national trends of decline. We're kind of sitting stable now."
Of course, being a working estate, there are limitations. Cows need to graze, forestry needs to be managed, and the public needs access. But Edwards believes that even within these constraints, nature can thrive. "If nature is given a little bit of space, it can recover and we can work alongside it as well," he emphasizes. "Having water in the landscape is a really important habitat feature and it doesn't matter whether it's a small root plate hole, for example, or a little bit of a ditch. They don't have to be wet all year round, so ethereal or vernal pools are really important to give the bare muds for certain insects to lay their eggs into them. I would have loads if I could."
So, what can you do to help bring nature closer to home? Edwards suggests that creating a water feature in your back garden or on your balcony is the "number one thing" you can do. Even a small bucket in the ground can attract flies and insects, which in turn will attract birds. He also recommends leaving some nettles, a small rough patch, or anything that provides shelter for overwintering invertebrates. "Don't tidy away all those dead stems from your garden straight away and they will overwinter - look inside some of the dead stems of plants, you'll find things like ladybirds and other beetle species," he advises. "Just look closer and you'll see all these things around you - they're right on your doorstep and you can help them out."
What small changes have you made to encourage nature in your local environment? Have you tried creating a water feature, or leaving a wild patch in your garden? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
