Plans are being drawn up to restore dew ponds across the South Downs which act as habitats for staggering numbers of freshwater wildlife species.

The national park authority wants to rejuvenate 100 of the ponds which were originally dug by farmers for their cattle to drink from, with some dating back centuries.

They also acted as sanctuaries for wildlife but in recent years nearly three quarters on the 1,000 ponds that once existed have fallen into poor condition or been filled in entirely.

A South Downs park spokesman said: “These pretty ponds are also havens for all manner of species, supporting around 70 per cent of all freshwater species found in lowland landscapes in the UK.

The Argus: A dew pond on the South DownsA dew pond on the South Downs (Image: PA)

“However, over many decades and due to changes in farming practices, dozens of these wildlife oases have fallen into disrepair or been lost completely.

“With climate change bringing hotter, drier summers, ponds have an increasingly critical role to play in providing habitat and sources of water for wildlife.

“Pounds for Ponds aims to reverse this decline by providing vital funding to transform derelict ponds and create some new ones.”

A recent wildlife survey at a pond at Seaford Haven that was previously restored recorded more than 200 species.

This included the rare lesser emperor dragonfly nymph, which is the first UK record of its breeding.

The Argus: Dragonflies can be found in the dew pondsDragonflies can be found in the dew ponds (Image: PA)

Jan Knowlson, biodiversity officer for the South Downs National Park, said: “Dew ponds are amazing, but sadly so many have been lost from the South Downs landscape over the past century.

“These freshwater habitats are oases for wildlife, providing drinking and bathing water for birds, and a home for dragonflies and other aquatic invertebrates.

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“They also make good breeding sites for frogs, toads and newts.

“The wildlife value of ponds is also considerably enhanced where you have a network of them, making it easier for species to move between them, meaning populations are more resilient to climate change.”

Donation are being taken via the South Downs website.