The amphibian population of the United Kingdom is in critical decline and faces long term survival challenges of almost overwhelming proportions. The main reasons for this fall being pollution, disease and habitat deprivation. Numerous experts agree that unless something significant is done we could see the loss of these amazing animals in our life-time.

When i think myself back to my childhood days I recollect many a fine day as a boy with my friends at the local ponds or the brook, endless summer daytimes catching frogs and newts and sticklebacks (we always let them go!). It was a terrific childhood.

I travelled back to visit the region i grew up in a few years ago, and there is now a car park where those wonderful old ponds were. Obviously severely polluted the brook appeared dead with all visible life wiped out. These days in our over-developed urban regions such habitats are growing rarer and rarer.

The complete number of habitats lost to development has been catastrophic and never-ending. The development of many wetland sites has been checked when discovered to be home to natterjack toads or great-crested newts, our 2 rarest amphibians.

Manchester Airport was in the news lately, after work was very delayed on its third runway to rescue a great-crested newt settlement and relocate all the individuals, at a substantial cost.

But immeasurable thousands of ponds and waterways in the UK who did not benefit from the presence of either of these two residents have already been developed, huge amounts of Newts, toads and frogs decimated and the huge biodiversity of plants, animals and insects that existed there gone too.

As if this is not enough to deal with, the peril of dangerous viral contagions wont go away. Already we have experienced critical epidemics of Ranavirus in our frog populations in the south east of England. A non-native amphibian species is thought to have brought Ranavirus into the United Kingdom, most likely from North America.There is no cure at present. All three species of newt and the common toad are likewise at risk from infection.

Nonetheless, there is hope for the future. Enhanced awareness of green matters and a boom in gardening popularity may help to spare these captivating and endearing creatures from extinction. Although there is zero defence against the Ranavirus, anyone could effectively and easily contribute to the amount of viable habitat they have got. Educational and enriching, a simple to establish and maintain wildlife pool will fascinate young and old, and can look undeniably glorious.

Even a really little simple pond can become an oasis, plentiful in biodiversity and of interestingness all year round. Then dont you think its time to bring a little piece of nature into your life, your kids lives? Go in the garden in the clean air and start creating!

Mark Best writes articles that help people to design and build the Perfect garden Pond for them. And how to choose the right equipment, such as the right Garden Pond Filter for your needs.