Epping Forest is known to support populations of common toads. Amphibian survey data for the Leyton Flats area is limited. Surveys of Cow Pond in 1999 and 2013 recorded smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) but no other amphibian species. Toad records are present for Hollow Pond, with a single adult male recorded in 1999 and five adults recorded in 2013. Prior to Froglife’s restoration work, there were no ideal breeding habitat for toads to breed. Cow Pond was originally 6900 m2 in size, however during a site visit in September 2017 it was found to be completely dry and overgrown.
It was agreed with the landowners that the surrounding overhanging selected trees mostly willow would be felled, logged and smaller limbs used in the creation of brash piles. Work began in February 2020 with the clearance of the selected trees, brash, scrub and construction of hibernacula resulting in a massive improvement of the surrounding terrestrial habitat. A pond of approx. 50m x 75m was to be excavated entirely within the footprint of the existing pond with various drawdown areas of varying depths for biodiversity gain and the deepest part of the pond to be excavated to a depth of approx. 2mtrs to allow water to hold all year around and importantly during the amphibian breeding season.
2021 Updates
Cow Pond is still holding water, and aquatic vegetation has grown around the pond. A survey in Spring 2021 found a population of smooth newts and either common frogs or toads. It was difficult to discern between the latter two as data was collected by watching a heron perched at the end of the pond through a pair of binoculars and watching what it was successfully catching! The restoration of the pond is also benefiting other species that rely on water in these habitats. Most notably, a peregrine falcon that visited the pond to have a sip of water.
