Ponds are one of the best things we can do in our gardens and community spaces. As our summers are getting hotter and drier and our natural ponds are disappearing, we can make a real difference.
Pond liners are not ideal as they can easily rip. Below a few other options that we used before.
We love this pond by Simon King but it comes with a hefty price tag. Shallow and deep parts make it ideal for a wide range of animals.
We have been using this reservoir as pond and it works wonderfully. Make sure you create access points for animals trying to enter and leave the pond.
The cheapest and environmentally best option is a recycled container such as a whiskey half barrel, a sink or any other waterproof vessel.
Place some washed pebbles at the bottom and if there is no natural entry & exit point, use larger stones or other material to create a ramp - this will be for amphibians but also mammals like hedgehogs.
Ask your friends who have a pond (best option, usually comes with pond life attached), order online or buy at your garden centre. Make sure the varieties are suitable for your size pond and don't forget about oxygenating plants.
Fill your pond with water - ideally rainwater. If you use tap water, wait two weeks before you add any life animals. Ask a friend for a jar of their pond water or get some creatures from your specialist pond supplier (such as water fleas). All other animals will magically appear soon.
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