London has far fewer ponds than it had 100 years ago. In some parts 90 per cent of ponds have been lost since 1870, although the creation of gravel pits and lakes has compensated to a small extent. Such declines have made those ponds that are left of supreme importance for nature conservation, but many are neglected and harbour only remnants of their once rich flora and fauna. In 1984 Thomas Langton carried out a survey of London's ponds and other areas of standing water with the aim of identifying which ponds needed saving and managing for wildlife. This much needed work was made possible by the Greater London Council, which gave a grant to the FFPS for the purpose.