Brandesburton and Frodingham Ponds >> Habitat The ponds extend from Brigham in the north to Catfoss in the east, a distance of about 11km, and occupy an area lying just to the north of the central section of the River Hull Valley. The Ponds were created by large scale mineral extraction which has been practiced here throughout this century, particularly since the 1950`s. They lie entirely within the River Hull catchment area and are fed by rainfall and ground water. The chain of ponds is a unique feature of the area which links the River Hull Valley to the east coast via Hornsea Mere. Past studies have shown it to be one of the most important sites for wildlife in the valley, especially birds, which regularly utilise the ponds and commute between them and other major wildlife sites in the valley such as, Tophill Low, Watton Nature Reserve, Pulfinand High Eske Nature Reserve. >> Species and Seasons Spring/Summer - The area holds upto 5 breeding pairs of Great Crested Grebe and Oystercatcher have probably tried to breed. Counts of upto 80 Yellow Wagtails have been counted in spring. Winter - The area holds upto 50 Mute Swans and Bewick`s and Whooper are sometimes present. There is a regular a few hundred Greylag Geese in the area peaking at upto 500 birds. The large number of Greylags can attract other Geese and Bean, Pink-footed, White-fronted and Barnacle Geese are generally recorded. In 1996 a Lesser White-fronted Goose was recorded though the true origins of this bird may never be known. Wigeon can be seen in large numbers along with occasional records of Smew, Goosander and Scaup. The area is also good for Golden Plover and Lapwing with top counts being 1000 and 1800 respectively in 1996.