Marnel & Popley Ponds Conservation Group
Popley Ponds is the name given to a flooded former chalk quarry located on the northern edge of Basingstoke. Today this is the pivotal site for a growing network of green corridors between Popley and Basing Woods, home to an expanding range of wildlife and containing carefully created habits for a wide range of amphibians including thriving colonies of Great Crested Newts.
Popley Ponds is embedded within a housing development, however, the estate has been sympathetically developed, allowing space for nature. Species that we have seen (or found evidence of) include roe deer, foxes, badgers, harvest mice, slow worms, all three types of UK newt, and of course a multitude of interesting insects, fungi, and plants.
What do we do? A wide range of different work, including coppicing, scrub bashing, pond clearance, and species surveys. Our licensed newt handler usually manages to find some of our resident newts for everyone to see, together with other interesting species.
Our main aim is to maintain the habitat that supports our population of the Great Crested Newts, which resulted in the site being designated as a Local Nature Reserve. In reality we aim to achieve much more than that, helping all types of local wildlife to thrive.
When do we meet? 1st Saturday of the month between October and March (10.00am). Ad hoc events are advertised on our Facebook or via our mailing list.
Where do we meet? Tobago Close, Popley, RG24 9RW (main entrance to the ponds)
We are a diverse and friendly group and would love you to join us. Children (school age) are welcome provided that they are supervised by a parent or guardian.
Contact Us:
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/1051821148256679
Email: popleyponds@gmail.com