Welcome haven for wildlife
A garden pond, however small, will attract water-loving visitors as well as birds and hedgerow creatures, and makes a perfect outdoor project
WITH THE UK’S natural wetland areas in decline, a garden pond provides an important place for native wildlife to thrive. It does not need to be particularly big or deep, and if the pond is created within a container, such as a wooden half-barrel, rubber trug or an old sink, it is not even necessary to do any digging. But the more water that can be provided, the greater the variety of creatures it will attract. In addition, many of these visitors, including newts, frogs, toads and dragonflies, will feed on garden pests, and the pond may also attract other, less aquatic wildlife, such as birds and hedgehogs, which will help with pest control too.
Deep sections as well as shallow areas provide nooks and crannies for a wide variety of wildlife, but the deepest point of the pond only needs to be 8-12in (20-30cm) for all kinds of creatures to be happy there. The addition of ledges, slopes and rocks will allow animals to get in and out easily.
Fish should not be added to a wildlife pond, as they will eat insects and tadpoles, and their waste will fuel the growth of nuisance algae and blanket weed. Pumps and filters are best avoided, as they can suck in small creatures; the pond will be filtered naturally by plants and aquatic organisms.
Amphibians, tadpoles and spawn should never be taken from the wild or moved from pond to pond. Wildlife will arrive naturally, given time.
Choosing the location
Careful consideration should be given to the location of the pond. Ideally, it will be somewhere it can be viewed easily from indoors to bring the most enjoyment. The pond will need some sun, but is best located in an area that offers some afternoon shade, as too much sunlight will lead to excess growths of algae. A site too close to overhanging trees is also best avoided, as falling leaves in the autumn can lead to the danger of pollution.
Planting the pond
A good range of pond plants will provide everything that newts, frogs, toads and dragonflies need for shelter and nesting space. May is an ideal time to buy pond plants: garden centres and pond specialists will have plenty to choose from now that both the weather and the water are warming up. It is best to use UK native plants, where possible, and to incorporate a range of plants for different purposes. Submerged plants help to keep the water healthy and offer cover for wildlife; floating plants provide shade to help keep algae growth in check; marginal plants prefer the boggy
soil around the water’s edge and give shelter and shade to a myriad of life. Planting around the pond helps to further shade the water and will also bridge the gap between the watery habitat and the rest of the garden.
Growing pond plants in aquatic baskets is a good idea for a smaller pond, as it stops them from spreading and taking over. Aquatic baskets usually have mesh sides to allow water and air to flow through, and it is recommended that they are lined with hessian or fabric to stop the soil from washing out into the pond. The baskets are then filled with aquatic soil and the plants added, planting them at the same soil depth as in their original container.
Pond maintenance
Evaporation is normal, and the pond can be topped up when necessary with rainwater. Thick, surface-covering greenery needs to be cut back every few weeks through the summer, as well as heavy underwater growth. Plants can be deadheaded and old foliage removed throughout summer, and if any pests attack the marginal plants, they can be washed away using a hose. Chemicals should not be used near or around the pond, as they can be harmful to wildlife. Congested plants benefit from being divided and repotted separately, approximately every two years, to boost health. They can be pulled apart or cut with a knife if the roots are tough.
Leaves can be scooped from the pond with a net. Excess growths of blanket weed can be pulled out with the hands or by twirling it around a stick, but it is important to check carefully for any newts, insects or other creatures that may be inside it before the weed is discarded. Swilling it gently in a bucket of pond water will allow any wildlife trapped within to escape, so they can be returned to the pond.