Now here’s the science

Eutrophication is the technical term for excess nutrients in a pond. It usually leads to overly rampant plant and algal growth, which can disrupt the pond’s natural balance.

A pond is a great way to attract a wide diversity of wildlife into your garden, including birds, mammals, amphibians, such as frogs, newts and toads, and invertebrates, including water boatmen, pond skaters and dragonflies.

The following invasive non-native species of plant were banned from sale by Defra in 2014: Azolla filiculoides, Crassula helmsii, Hydrocotyle ranunculoides, Ludwigia grandiflora and L. uruguayensis, and Myriophyllum aquaticum.

Ponds are composed of and affected by what are known as abiotic and biotic factors. Abiotic factors include the chemical balance of the water, sunlight levels and soil chemistry, while biotic factors are the living organisms, including plants, algae, animals and insects.

The optimum pH of pondwater is between 7 and 8.5. Higher acidity or alkalinity can have an adverse effect on fish and other aquatic life.