Exeter allotments get new wildlife pond in major biodiversity boost for city green spaces

A new wildlife pond and bog garden is being created at a community allotment site in Exeter, with organisers saying the project will play an important role in protecting local biodiversity and strengthening green spaces in the city.

The initiative is taking place at Cowick Lane Community Gardens in St Thomas, an area close to the River Exe where allotments form a key part of Exeter’s network of urban green spaces. 

The new shared pond and bog garden is designed to provide a safe habitat for frogs, toads, newts and insects at a time when wildlife across the South West is under increasing pressure from development, climate change and habitat loss.

Plot-holders at Cowick Lane have spent the past year introducing wildlife-friendly features, including planting pollinator-attractant flowers, building bird boxes and bug hotels, leaving sections of land to grow wild, and creating small ponds where space allows. 

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Limited room on individual plots has made larger water features difficult, leading to the creation of a communal pond that can support a greater range of species and benefit the wider area.

The project is being supported by Wales & West Utilities, which has provided funding to help cover the cost of materials, including a pond liner and amphibian shelters. 

The support is linked to gas pipe upgrade work currently taking place in the Barley Lane area of Exeter, which aims to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply while preparing the network for greener gases in the future.

Becky Wells, who leads the Biodiversity Boost project for the St Thomas Allotments Association, said the scheme was about more than just wildlife. 

“This project builds on our previous efforts and will create a thriving habitat for wildlife while showing how productive growing spaces and nature can exist side by side,” she said. 

“We are delighted to have the support from Wales & West Utilities. It’s vital in helping us deliver something that will benefit both wildlife and the local community for years to come.”

The St Thomas Allotments Association manages 11 sites along the west side of the River Exe and represents around 700 plot-holders, making it one of the largest community growing networks in the city. 

Organisers say projects like this are “vital” in helping Exeter meet its environmental ambitions by protecting wildlife corridors, improving resilience to climate change, and giving residents opportunities to take part in hands-on conservation close to home.

Louise Alfaresi, first line manager for Exeter at Wales & West Utilities, said the company was committed to improving the areas where it works. 

“It’s great to see the team at Cowick Lane Community Gardens coming together to play their part, and projects like this are so important to help leave a positive environmental legacy,” she said.

The new pond and bog garden is expected to become a long-term feature of the site, supporting local wildlife while reinforcing the role of Exeter’s allotments as valuable spaces for nature, community wellbeing and environmental education.