Over the past couple of months, Kingston Council has been working closely with local volunteering groups to restore several local ponds around the borough.

Work has taken place at the Beeline Way, Vine Close and Fishponds Park to boost the habitats for amphibian species nationally in decline, such as frogs, toads and newts.

The council said that "deepening ponds and planting the right water-loving plants can also help reduce the risk of localised flooding". 

Cllr Ian Manders, Portfolio Holder for Climate Action, Biodiversity and Planning Policy said: "I want to thank our wonderful local volunteers who have been working closely with the council to transform several local ponds around the borough. 

"We all want to be doing all that we can to improve and protect our natural environment to make Kingston a greener borough for everyone." 

The pond transformation works have been celebrated through official reopenings attended by the Mayor of Kingston, the several Friends Groups, and local residents. 

Last month, the Mayor of Kingston held a formal reopening of Fishponds Park.

Kingston Council is currently marking its third Sustainable September campaign, with a focus this year on informing local residents how they can take simple steps to prepare for the challenges of climate change and lessen their impact on the environment.

You can find out more about the campaign on the council's website.