Norfolk has more ponds than any other English county, many of which were created between the 17th and 19th centuries as marl pits to provide lime-rich clay to improve the soil for crops. But over the past 50 years many have suffered neglected or been filled in, largely as a result of changes in farming practices. Open Country hears how local farmer Richard Waddingham started restoring the ponds on his land, which in turn inspired the creation of the Norfolk Ponds Project, dedicated to reversing their decline and provide vital habitats for aquatic biodiversity
