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Dew Ponds

             Dew ponds are man-made ponds intended to collect and store dew or rainwater in areas where springs and wells are scarce. They have been used for centuries, particularly in the chalk downlands of Southern England, to provide drinking water for livestock.

              The construction of a dew pond involves digging a shallow, circular pit and lining it with a non-porous layer to prevent the water from seeping into the ground. Traditionally, this layer was made from clay, but modern dew ponds may use synthetic materials like butyl rubber. The pond is often covered with a layer of straw or manure to provide insulation and prevent evaporation.

            Despite their name, it's still a matter of debate whether dew ponds can actually collect a significant amount of dew. Some believe that the name "dew pond" comes from the fact that they can still hold water during long periods without rain, giving the impression that the water is collected from dew. However, most of the water in dew ponds likely comes from rainfall. Regardless of their source of water, dew ponds serve as an important water resource in dry landscapes.

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