Residents are seeking help in watering an almost empty pond in a Teddington park.

The pond in Langdon park contains protected species, including the smooth newt, as well as providing vital drinking water for animals.

Now one resident, Alis Rowe, is asking locals to water the pond and drop a bottle of water in its deep pits.

Several members of the community have already put up posters about the matter and have been taking bottles and watering cans down to the pond.

"But more awareness and help is needed," Rowe told Nub News.

In a post on social media site Nextdoor, another resident, Kristina Buyana, said: "I'm reaching out to ask for our community's help to protect a vital piece of local nature.

"While exploring the area, I've found that one of our local ponds—the last surviving wetland pocket of its kind in the immediate local area—has almost entirely dried up."

She continued: "The good news is that the bottom silt hasn't completely baked through yet; it is still wet mud beneath the surface.

"But because of the extreme heat, time is running out, and the countdown is literally in days.

"This place is much more than just home to a thriving population of frogs and a massive number of newts.

"During this severe dry spell, this pond is an essential water source for our local wildlife, supporting visiting birds and local foxes that desperately rely on it."

"From a biodiversity standpoint, the ecosystem is in critical danger right now.

"Countless newt larvae are trapped in the remaining mud, fighting for survival before their metamorphosis is complete, while adult amphibians are aestivating (resting in deep damp pockets)."

Speaking about how locals can prevent their dogs from escalating the issue, Buyana said:"If you are walking your dogs near the pond, please keep them from running through the remaining mud and bottom silt.

"The heavy impact and digging disturb the sensitive substrate, crushing the surviving newt larvae and destroying the fragile micro-ecosystem that is already hanging on by a thread."

Speaking about how locals can help without breaking any water restrictions, she added: "I fully understand and support the current hosepipe ban. We are not talking about using hoses or wasting resources.

"However, if you happen to take a walk to the pond and bring just one or two bottles of water to pour gently into the deepest muddy depressions, it will keep the silt moist and maintain enough oxygen for these creatures to survive until the rains return.

"If a few of us pitch in with a couple of bottles during our daily walks while there is still a window of opportunity, we can save this vital natural spot and its inhabitants.

"Thank you so much for your care, understanding, and love for nature!"

Buyana's post has already received over 100 comments from locals offering to help.

In response to Buyana's post, local councillor, Cllr Liz Tadhar said: ""Thank you for getting in touch, and for all the effort you and your neighbours have been putting into keeping the lovely pond topped up during this very dry period.

"I can completely understand your concern, particularly given the wildlife that depends on the pond, including the smooth newts you mention.

"Unfortunately, although there are public rights of way across Langdon Park on the designated paths, the land itself, including the pond, is owned and managed by the Langdon Park Residents Management Association.

"The site is therefore not Council-owned land. As a result, the Council is unable to undertake maintenance works, repairs or restoration of the pond, or to contribute funding towards such works.

"Responsibility for the management and upkeep of the pond rests with the Residents Management Association.

"I do appreciate that this situation is particularly worrying given the impact on local wildlife.

"While the Council is limited in what it can do directly, I would encourage the Residents Management Association to treat the matter as a priority, and I hope a solution can be put in place as quickly as possible.

"Thank you again for raising this issue and for the care and commitment you and others are showing towards the pond and its wildlife, and I sincerely hope you manage to resolve this matter soon."