The guardians of a South Downs estate are to set splash the cash on four new ponds.

The Buriton Estate has been granted permission by the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) to create four new agricultural dew ponds at Coulters Dean following excavation work.

Three of the ponds will be positioned on natural low-lying areas close to hedges and boundaries, with the fourth and southernmost being on a more elevated site.

The proposals are part of a larger ‘whole farm restoration’ programme at the 60-hectare site which includes the Coulters Dean Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

This plan includes extensive chalk grassland restoration and a switch from arable to livestock farming, with the Buriton Estate engaging with Natural England, the SDNPA and Hampshire & IoW Wildlife Trust on the scheme.

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The ponds will provide a water source for livestock, while delivering “significant biodiversity and ecological benefit” for the chalk downland site.