UpTyTle a mini wildlife pond

An old Belfast sink, tin bath or similar container makes the perfect habitat for pond dwellers such as damselfies, dragonfies, frogs and newts. Place the pond in partial shade, ideally so it gets sun in spring and shade in summer, and the water warms up in colder months but doesn’t dry out in heat. Fill up with rainwater if you can, although tap water is fine to use.

Fit a rectangle of pond liner in the bottom and seal. Check the pond is watertight then partially fill. Stand marginal plants at their preferred depth on brick platforms.

Use marginal plants like brooklime and water forget-me-not, plus oxygenators such as hornwort and spiked water milfoil. Gravel prevents pot compost escaping.

Add more water and make ‘steps’ for wildlife access. These are ideal for helping frogs get in and out. There’s no need to introduce creatures, they will find it.