Powys County Councillor Liz Rijnenberg met with wildlife representatives at the Penlan Ponds to hear their concerns about the gradual deterioration of the site.
An important breeding site for amphibians, newts and dragonflies, the site has become overgrown due to gradual neglect.
The neglect of the once thriving area has been prolonged due to the Covid-19 pandemic causing delays to scheduled works according to Powys council.
Cllr Rijnenberg, of St Mary’s Ward, has requested that action is taken by Powys to ensure the ponds are “adequately maintained”.
She said: “Work has been delayed due to the pandemic but if remedial action is not taken very soon wildlife will continue to be lost and restoration is going to prove increasingly difficult.”
Local wildlife expert Keith Noble explained that “Penlan Ponds provides an important breeding ground for dragonflies, amphibians and the Great Crested Newt, however, due to gradual neglect this important wildlife site now has overgrown hedges and reeds. Trees are now seeding in the water which makes it difficult to operate as a breeding site”.
Cllr Rijnenberg said: “Wildlife representatives have been keeping a close watch on the ponds and have flagged a number of immediate concerns which should form part of a recovery plan.
“The overgrown hedge needs to be managed and the deep water sign on this pond is no longer visible. Grass around the pond should be left to allow safe passage for young amphibians leaving the pond for the first time and areas of dry cover for hibernation need to be sited around the pond.”
Val Bradley and Pauline Hill described how volunteers did work to remove the reeds some years ago so that wildlife could breed but this has become very overgrown again and needs to be cleared. Val Bradley, an expert on amphibians and pond life said: “Cutting of grass around the pond should be kept to a minimum to allow cover for young amphibians leaving the pond for the first time”.
Cllr Rijnenberg believes that, as well as its incredible significance for wildlife, Penlan ponds could be utilised as an outdoor learning resource that can benefit the people of Brecon and its surrounding communities.
She said: “COP 26 Glasgow highlighted the devastating impact of climate change. It also impressed upon us the need to promote and protect biodiversity before it is too late. Penlan Ponds can be just one small but important cog in the chain of raising environmental awareness, protecting against species loss and securing a better environmental future for generations to come.”
When asked about the state of Penlan Ponds and whether Powys intends to restore the site, a council spokesperson said that they are working with a number of partners to try to determine its future.
The spokesperson for Powys County Council said on Wednesday: “The council and a number of its partners are working together to determine a future management for Penlan Ponds.
“Intended works were unfortunately delayed due to the Covid pandemic but it has been arranged for the hedgerow works to start today (Wednesday, December 15) which should take a few days. Further works will be carried out as appropriate to the plan that is agreed.
“Freedom Leisure are committed to assisting the maintenance of the ponds at Penlan as part of its partnership with the council and will continue to work with the council and the Brecknock Wildlife Trust on this matter.”