Residents of the Edgecombe Hall Estate, Southfields, took part in a ‘pond dip’ on Saturday to help regenerate the estate’s historic ponds.

Along with enthusiastic volunteers from across London, residents were taught how to identify different species of wildlife so they can report sightings in the future.

Within the grounds of the old Edgecombe Hall, the ponds are of historical importance as they were designed by celebrated Victorian and Edwardian landscape gardeners, James Pulham and Son.

The lottery funded wildlife project run by Wandsworth Council, Groundwork London and Edgecombe Hall Residents’ Association, will feature several events to involve the community over the next two months, leading to a celebration event in June.

Mark Patterson, Community Gardener for Groundwork London, said: "The overall plan is to restore the ponds and preserve the heritage features on the site and make them better for wildlife."