Ponds & Lakes in the 4Bs

Perhaps we think that most of the ponds we see are natural. But this is not the case. Most, if not all of the significant ponds in the 4Bs landscape were not formed by natural processes. They have been constructed by people at different points in time for different purposes. Historically, the pond-scape of the 4Bs is the result of contributions from 5 different sources -1) industrial processes – milling, sand extraction and quarrying 2) the landscaping of estates during Georgian, Victorian and modern times 3) the mitigation of flooding in and around the river Mole 4) farming 5) the ponds that residents install in their own gardens and retained from one owner to another.

The most important natural influences on the distribution of ponds in the 4Bs are: 1) the River Mole and its tributaries and drainage system and 2) the geology and mining – sand extraction from the Lower Greensand near Buckland has resulted in significant depressions within the aquifer which have filled with water.

Figure 1 shows the more significant ponds in the landscape i.e. ponds that are visible on maps and Google Earth. Figure 1 attempts to categorise the ponds and, where possible, date them.

Figure 1 Significant ponds and lakes in the 4Bs
This is the first version and it will evolve as more information is added. Please help us improve the information on it. Send comments to [email protected]

4Bs Resident Pond Survey
We are keen to expand our knowledge of garden ponds in the 4Bs if you livein Buckland, Betchworth, Brockham or Boxhill and you would like to contribute to our resident survey click here

​Norman Jackson is the coordinator of the 4Bs Biodiversity Initiative