Each year more and more land goes under development and along with our country side disappears bodies of water. Along with their disappearance obviously go the local wildlife so building your own pond can make a big difference to the local environment.
When building a pond from scratch you are given the chance to create one that will benefit a whole array of wildlife. These points should help you create the ideal pond:
- Dig a saucer shaped depression at least 50cm (20”) deep in the middle, which will prevent the whole pond from freezing.
- Provide a gently sloping shelf which will be around 15cm (6”) below the water's surface. This will allow you to place margin plants which will offer cover for animals and will allow the water to warm up during the warmer days and increase the likelihood of frogs/toads breeding.
- Introduce an area with stones which will increase the use by birds who will use it to drink and bathe.
Siting Your Pond
- You need a clear area that receives a good amount of sunlight.
- It also needs shelter, so a hedge also helps. This will ensure insects such as dragonfly nymph will not drown during the delicate process of pupating.
- Avoid over hanging trees which will shed their leaves directly into your pond causing problems as they decompose.
- Try to place away from a busy areas as many species prefer a quieter life.
Filling Your Pond
Most tap water has a high mineral content which will encourage the growth of algae in the first year. Slowly over time these minerals will be used by the plants you place in the pond. So be aware that during the first hot spell of weather your pond will become green with algae.
If however you are able to collect rain water and store it prior to the construction of your pond then this is the ideal solution. Lastly during hot periods if your pond needs topping up then again rain water is the best solution.
Once filled with water you will need a selection of plants, ideally those that are native to your area. Most good local pond specialists will be able to help here.
If space permits add a grass bank and a bank of logs to encourage wildlife. The logs will slowly decompose offering food to birds, mammals and amphibians. The logs will also offer a place to hibernate for a variety of animals.
Although you may be tempted to fill your pond with fish this will have an impact on the number of insects your pond will support. Therefore if you want your pond to be a real haven avoid the goldfish and the koi carp and allow local wildlife to move in.
Pond Safety
When building a pond always bear in mind animals are likely to want to visit and drink from it. If you do not have gently sloping edges then falling in can be a real danger. In order to avoid unnecessary drowning drape chicken wire over the edge which can be used as a ladder. Although unsightly it will save lives.
Also of importance is the safety of children who find water irresistible. If small children are likely to be able to get near your pond then fencing may be in order.
Managing Your Pond
- In autumn remove rotting leaves, however leave on the side of the pond for a day or two before removing fully so any critter caught can return to the pond.
- If your pond is suffering from algae then use a bundle of barley straw dropped in to help combat.
- Remove access vegetation around late summer or early autumn. However a build up of pond weed etc can be reduced by the introduction of native pond snail species.
For further information visit Ponds Trust
