Dew ponds on the Sussex Downs between Lewes and Glynde. Once a common sight they are used as drinking places for sheep and cattle.
Dew ponds on the Sussex Downs between Lewes and Glynde. Once a common sight they are used as drinking places for sheep and cattle. They are to be found in areas where there are no other sources of water for grazing stock. The underlying rock is chalk and hence there are few natural sources of water as surface water quickly drains into the soil and rock. Dew Ponds were originally made by lining a pit with straw and sealing it with clay to keep the water from draining through into the chalk clay would be mixed with lime to discourage worms from burrowing and straw to prevent cracking. Finally it would be topped with flint to prevent damage from hoofs. From the 20th century on they were made from poured concrete. They are still used by sheep and cattle and provide great habitats for aquatic wild life.
Size: 4288px × 2848px
Location: Southdowns, near Lewes East Sussex UK
Photo credit: © Brian Hartshorn / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
Keywords: agriculture, cattle, chalk, dew, dewpond, downland, downs, drinking, east, farming, grasslands, habitat, hole, landscape, life, man, modern, pond, ponds, raising, rural, sheep, southdown, southdowns, sussex, tradition, traditional, waterhole, watering
