Should we make a pond?

Liriodendron

The photo shows a very large depression in our front lawn - it's around 2m x 2.1m, and about 25cm deep in the centre.  No idea why it's there, perhaps there was a large tree stump which has decayed.  The whole lawn is very uneven but this is the worst bit (causing hubby to curse whilst mowing...).

Should we cut the turf and fill the depression?  Not sure we've got enough spare soil, to be honest...  or would it be completely the wrong place for a wildlife pond?  It's about 6m from the rowan tree whose trunk you can see.  The garden wall runs approx E-W.

Greenbird

The answer to that question is always yes. 

Yviestevie

I agree, my garden came alive after creating a wildlife pond.  More bees, more birds, frogs, toads, dragonflies and even a hedgehog.

Fire

" The answer to that question is always yes.  "

That was going to my comment. Though they say it's best not right under trees....

GemmaJF

The tree will mean fishing out leaves unless you cover it for a while in the Autumn. The position though is not all that close to the tree, how much sunlight does it get throughout the day? Best to go for a fairly sunny spot, rather than a shady spot if you can.

Liriodendron

It's to the north of the tree, but gets a fair amount of sun.  I realise we'd have to net it in autumn.

Thanks for your positive comments!  I think it'll happen, but not yet... we have a third of an acre which hadn't been touched for 17 years, apart from cutting the grass.  Priority for the moment is digging out the brambles, couch grass, ground elder, wild arum etc from the area you can see, to make room for temporary homes for the plants brought from our Yorkshire garden, plus a small veg patch.  It's good to plan, though.

WonkyWomble

Oh yes you should Lirio 
Its so wonderful  for wildlife.  I hide behind the pergola and watch the birds bath like some peeping tom! 
Beware of burning dinner getting distracted pond watching..... just saying..... it may have happened previously 

Butterfly66

I think it would be a lovely spot. We inherited a pond which is very close (2-3m) from several trees so according to many posts in completely the wrong place. We very rarely dredge any leaves out nor the few medlars which fall in during the winter. At the moment it is sprinkled with falling cherry blossom which the tadpoles seem to enjoy - whether they eat it or something else attracted by the blossom I’m unsure. 

We do need to treat it occasionally with an organic duckweed and algae treatment but the water is perfectly clear and it is full of wildlife.

The leaves will rot and form a natural silt at the bottom of the pond which is where many larvae and nymphs make their homes. 

Liriodendron

I think I should measure how much sunlight actually falls on that area before making a final decision.  The rowan tree to the south of the dip isn't yet in full leaf, so I may be over-optimistic about the light levels... however, all is not lost, because if it turns out to be too shady we can dig the pond elsewhere, using some of the "arisings" to fill the existing dip in the lawn...  

Your enthusiasm has persuaded me that we have to have a wildlife pond somewhere, even if not there!  Thank you all.

Fairygirl

Yes.

Very few ponds have perfect locations anywhere. Despite what all the expert advice tells you, many ponds are in part shade, and near trees. I don't think any pond I've had has ever been in full sun. Just net it for the leaves dropping. 

Liriodendron

Thanks Fairy.