Wildlife Pond

john.robinson01

Good evening,

We have a very bee, bird and bat friendly garden and have now made free a 7ft x 4 ft area by removing a small shed. We would now like to turn this area into a wildlife pond.

Realise this is a rather small space. However, to one side we have approximately twice the area with a good levels of growth and shelter.

To the other side of the plot is a space around 7ft x 4ft of lawn which is soggy most of the year so intended leaving to potentially run wild.

Wanted the pond to attract as much wildlife as possible but without digging too deep.

Also, as we will need to use a liner in the pond, can we use the existing grass from the garden to cover the edges around most of the pond as long as we have a shallow area for any wildlife to escape?

Also, do we need a pump and filters or can we purchase specific plants to keep the water healthy?

As you may realise from the above, I am new to gardening but happy to learn.

Any pointers would be appreciated.

Thank you for your help in advance.

Regards.

John & Dawn

Fairygirl

Plenty big enough, so don't worry about the size  
Shallow is good for lots of wildlife to use, so that's fine too, but make sure you have a section which is at least 18" to 2 feet in depth to avoid the whole thing freezing in winter. 
No ned for pumps or anything else. 
Your turf will be fine for edging 
The only thing I'd add is that ponds are best in a fairly sunny site. 
There are quite a few threads about ponds if you want to do a search using the section at the top of the page.

Enjoy your pond 

john.robinson01

Good evening and thank you for your comments. 

Will take your advice.

Regards

John

Fairygirl

There was a thread yesterday which was resurrected due to a member posting about their new pond. I posted on it too. 
I'll see if I can find it for you to have a look at 

Fairygirl

Here you go - it's only a few pages but worth a look 

https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1034763/wildlife-pond/p1

john.robinson01

Thanks

Redwing

Great that you're making a wildlife pond.  It will really increase, more than anything else, the range of wildlife attracted to your garden.  It's not too small but it should have a depth of 2' + in part, to avoid it completely freezing in winter but with shallow sloping sides. Grass edging is good with a shingle beach in part.  Planting is important; use native species.  Both RSPB and Wildlife Trust sites have lists of native plant recommendations.  I made a wildlife pond nearly five years ago and it is thriving.  Plants we chose included Hornwort and Spiked Milfoil for the oxygenators. Other good plants are Water Forget-me-not, Brooklime, Watermint, Pontideria (but that may be too vigorous for a small pond but it's great for emerging dragonflies), bogbean, spearwort (we used greater but lesser may be better for a small pond) and a rush. We used the curly one as it's more interesting but not a native. Yellow flag iris needs a big pond as it's a bit of a thug so a smaller one would be more suitable. Good luck.

john.robinson01

Good morning,

We have a dragonfly who appears in the garden some days I love them so will aim to plant to attract them.

I need to sit down and go through all the advice I have received on this site before heading to the local garden centre.

Have a good day.

John

Fairygirl

There are good online sites for pond plants too @john.robinson01-
Puddleplants, and Devon Pond Plants  are two. Waterside Nursery is also good. Many people on the forum have used them  

john.robinson01

Thanks, for that.