A long-lost dewpond at Langton Matravers has been brought back to life after lying hidden for years.

The pond was discovered when the Langton area came under the spotlight during investigations for the Purbeck Important Ponds Project.

Purbeck ponds were known to be aquatic hotspots for wildlife, including nearly all of the known British dragonfly species and the rare great crested newt.

But it has emerged that Langton Matravers is one of the top areas for wildlife. Pond detectives tracked down the ancient dewpond that was buried under bushes in the corner of a field.

It took two days for a team of volunteers to uncover the stone-lined pond, complete with its natural spring, and also some live ammunition, which was removed by police.

“It has been great to work with local people to bring a piece of Purbeck’s landscape heritage back to life,” said Rachel Janes, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s ponds project co-ordinator.

“Recent rains are continuing the rest of the work, filling the pond with water and fitting one more piece into the jigsaw of watery habitats for a whole range of pond life.”