WILDLIFE attempting to leave their dried-up Bishop's Waltham pond face a "perilous journey" under threat from cars and predators, conservationists have warned.

Ducklings were killed in traffic last week as they tried to migrate from North Pond, which has rapidly drained.

Water levels in parts of the pond, supplied by the Upper Hamble, fell from 68cm to zero over a few days.

Swans, cygnets and moorhen migrated safely to nearby South Pond on Monday, but could be picked off by foxes in future if a permanent home is not built, North Pond Conservation Group says.

Hampshire Chronicle:

Bishop's Waltham's North Pond before and after it was drained

Portsmouth Water regularly extracts water to provide for thousands of homes and businesses. However, the draining has come quicker and earlier than usual this year, leaving some chicks too young to safely leave.

Fish including carp and bream are also at risk, according to Bishop's Waltham Parish Fishing Club. Volunteers attempted to rescue the fish earlier this month but could not reach them.

Barry Jerome, chairman of North Pond Conservation Group, said: "As the water level continues to drop, then all of them will be at risk from predators, in particular the local foxes. They may also try the perilous journey to get from the North to South ponds. The cygnets, ducklings, moorhen and coot chicks have become favourites with the general public who watch them from the footbridge. It will cause considerable distress if it is known that they have all perished when the water drains from the North Pond."

The conservationists have planning permission to create a year-round reservoir for wildlife, which it says would boost diversity and let residents enjoy the retreat.

They recently lost out on a £20,000 grant but hope to raise enough to start work in August or September.

Dr Jerome added: "An area of permanent water and a viewing area would bring great pleasure to the general public, who have already started to ask: what has happened to the water?

"The cygnets, ducks etc. would have a safe place to go and the fish would also migrate into the area of permanent water. Fish rescue at the moment is very difficult and not very successful. Once there is an area of permanent water, the fish could be easily netted and returned to the South Pond. This would also save the Environment Agency time and money."

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust spokesman said the drainage was seasonal and Portsmouth Water's work is necessary to supply water for local people.