Ponds

Wildlife Pond – Quick Notes

Pond Myths

Has to be a metre deep – shallows are the rich bits!

Have to smash the ice in winter – leave ball in, clear snow off so light in

Not worth doing unless large pond- small pond or bog garden will benefit wildlife

Key Tips

Shallow gradient is key to a wildlife pond

Avoid fish if you want rich wildlife pond – they will eat everything!

Dig deeper than need but then backfill plenty material onto liner

Don’t top up with tap water – allow drawdown

Shallow pebbly area great for birds – bathing and drinking

Decent underlay to prevent puncture

Avoid plants that will take over – curly pond weed/Canadian pond weed

Look out for Crassula – remove carefully at first signs

Don’t need to move in wildlife – it will find its way!

Habitat around the pond is almost as important – log piles, longer grass etc

Site

Part shade- part sun

Not directly under tree

Level site, lower damper part ideal

Design

Natural shape

Shallow margins

Level ground