Critters access to a pond

NewBoy2

I am building a pond on my allotment for frogs , toads and hopefully newts
It will be  3 ft x 2ft by 18 inches deep with straight sides

I realise I need to enable the critters to easily get in and out of the water

Suggestions please friends 

Fairygirl

Hi New Boy. You can pile up some rocks/stones of varying sizes at one edge, or tree branches leaning against the side in a similar fashion.
I think some folk also use a little board with some grooves on it - like a ladder.

I've always had a beach edging, so can't comment on how effective any of those are, but the branches idea probably take up the least space 

Redwing

Better to have at least one side sloping so amphibians can get in and out.

Obelixx

I don't think creeping Jenny will support a wet hedgehog so best to have a physical ladder or slope of some sort.  Think about making a beach.

Valley Gardener

Mine is a similar size,preformed. So I have built a natural stone step up from one of the levels,plus a bit of old branch. I put it in during the summer,and now the saxifraga,creeping Jenny and ajuba is all starting to creep toward the water.So far only waterboatmen,and one dragonfly have shown interest (apart from my cats) but now looking forward to more wildlife come spring.

Dovefromabove

Ive seen a drowned hedgehog in a straight sided pond ... I wouldn’t take the risk 

Obelixx

And I've had to rescue a frog from a straight sided pond with no purchase for escape.  Even amphibians can drown.

NewBoy2

I will be adding a lower level / ledge down two sides so I can drop in my stainless steel grid which will sit 4 - 6 inches below the surface. This is to stop Little Ones drowning
I can then slope one of the end sides to create a point of exit for frogs etc
I will add some large stones to bring a perching area above the waters in between the struts of the grid for frogs to have a breather

I will then add some plants around the edges to trail into the water and also to add cover 

The pond is between my two raised beds which are 18" high and 36" inches high so it is quite secluded whilst still getting the sun

I planted my 12 Buxus on Christmas Day so as per another post they should eventually hide it from the haulingway

I will get someone with a camera phone to up load some photos when it is finished

Thanks for your assistance friends

  

Obelixx

Put your grid higher up.  Kids can drown in a puddle if they fall unseen and can't get up.

Valley Gardener

@Newboy2 .It sounds as though you've thought of everything,i would love to see any pics you can post of it.