Ponds and the law

Moving plants and animals between ponds You should always get permission from any pond-owner should you intend to transfer species between ponds. Movement of some species, if protected or considered damaging to native wildlife, is illegal under The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. Transferring fish and some amphibians may also require a licence or consent. Seek advice at every opportunity from the Environment Agency, Natural England, the Countryside Council for Wales (Wales) or Scottish Natural Heritage (Scotland).

Destroying ponds
If you have a pond and are moving house, ask the new occupiers if they plan to remove the pond. If this is the case and you have concerns about this process then ask someone with a pond whether they are willing to accept stock. If possible, movements should not be over one mile away. Animals should never be released onto a nature reserve or a public place without consent. 

Release of animals in an unauthorised place could make you liable for prosecution under the The Abandonment of Animals Act (1960).

Non-native animals and plants 
The release of non-native animals into the wild in the UK is against the law. For pond species this includes Red-earred Terrapin and the North American Bullfrog. 

If you come across either of these species please contact Froglife or another relevant organisation. Laws relating to release of non-native plants are more lax. However, we urge the public to be extra vigilant and discourage the purchasing or movement of non-native or hybrid plant species.

With thanks to our Corporate Supporter BNP Paribas