AS the weather begins to warm up, the heathland nature reserves become increasingly devoid of water.

Their sandy soil quickly drains away any rainfall.

Hence, any bodies of water remaining are particularly precious.

Even ponds on these nature reserves tend to dry up to nothing more than a muddy hole.

One, however, on Burlish Top nature reserve - except in the hottest of summers - contains at least a couple of feet of cool water.

It is a concrete lined pit, a relic from the American army hospital that was situated there decades ago.

Today, however, its banks and edges are lined with yellow flag iris, soft rush, and reed mace.

The water itself is covered with the lily-like frogbit and duckweed, while the bottom is lined with canadian pondweed.

The water teems with life, aquatic invertebrates from the microscopic water fleas to the great diving beetle, gnats, and mosquito larvae to the impressive dragonfly nymph.

But, insects are not the only residents.

On calm, sunny days you will regularly see smooth newts surfacing for air and occasionally hear the throaty call of the common frog.

Without this pool, none of these creatures or plants could exist on a heathland, as they are not normally associated with such environments.

However, for animals which are common heathland inhabitants the pool is an invaluable source of drinking and bathing water in what is usually a relatively arid environment.

A close inspection of the bank can reveal the footprints of mammals from foxes and badgers to voles and shrews who drink there and possibly even feed on the many invertebrates that also take advantage.

If you sit quietly and watch, you can often witness finches perching and singing in the safety of the hawthorn scrub that is the pond's backdrop.

Because the pond is such an important source of water for the smaller mammals and amphibians, the area also attract the attention of predators.

Kestrels are sometimes seen hovering overhead, presumably hunting for the rodents that visit, while grass snakes have also been seen on numerous occasions swimming in its waters stalking one of their favourite foods - frogs.

While this may not be the most attractive pond that you have ever seen, it is well worth a look.

Just take the time to stop and gaze through the surface, look into the emergent flag iris and surrounding scrub. The longer you stay, the more life you will see.

Count how many different plants and animals you see, and appreciate the iridescent colours of the dragonflies and damselflies which visit. You might just be surprised.