pond:ponds

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pond:ponds [2025/12/17 12:27] – Dave Darbypond:ponds [2026/03/26 18:33] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1
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-# Ponds+This topic is part of [[gt:gardening|Gardening, smallholding & farming]], [[gt:bushcraft|Bushcraft & Nature]] and [[gt:water|Water & sewage]]. 
 +====== Ponds ======
  
  
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-## What are ponds?+===== What are ponds? =====
  
 Ponds are shallow, water-filled depressions colonised by aquatic plants and animals. They are an important natural resource and provide habitat for native British species like frogs, toads and newts. Natural ponds, created by receding flood waters or forming in the depression left by the roots of fallen trees, may occasionally still be seen in the countryside. These days though, these are incredibly rare, as the natural processes that form them are much more managed. For many centuries, ponds on farm or common land served as an important water source for livestock. However, intensification of agriculture and modernised farming methods (like using pipes to transport water to animal troughs), as well as changes in land use, increased urbanisation and construction have led to a large number of ponds being lost since Victorian times, with serious consequences for the species that depend on them. Ponds are shallow, water-filled depressions colonised by aquatic plants and animals. They are an important natural resource and provide habitat for native British species like frogs, toads and newts. Natural ponds, created by receding flood waters or forming in the depression left by the roots of fallen trees, may occasionally still be seen in the countryside. These days though, these are incredibly rare, as the natural processes that form them are much more managed. For many centuries, ponds on farm or common land served as an important water source for livestock. However, intensification of agriculture and modernised farming methods (like using pipes to transport water to animal troughs), as well as changes in land use, increased urbanisation and construction have led to a large number of ponds being lost since Victorian times, with serious consequences for the species that depend on them.
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-## What are the benefits of ponds?+===== What are the benefits of ponds? =====
  
 For their relatively small size, garden ponds provide a large benefit to local wildlife. They are great for biodiversity, and creating more of them increases the available habitat for a number of species that have declined in recent years due to habitat loss or imported diseases such as Ranavirus (which affects amphibians). For their relatively small size, garden ponds provide a large benefit to local wildlife. They are great for biodiversity, and creating more of them increases the available habitat for a number of species that have declined in recent years due to habitat loss or imported diseases such as Ranavirus (which affects amphibians).
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-## What can I do?+===== What can I do? =====
  
 Assuming you plan to do the digging yourself, creating a garden pond is relatively cheap. The main expense is the liner: synthetic ones run from as little as £1 per m² and upwards depending on the material and thickness. Puddling clay can cost anywhere between £40 a tonne plus transport, to £5 a tonne if buying in bulk and can be purchased online from a number of suppliers. After that, there’s the cost of stocking with plants, if you choose to buy them. How much you spend will obviously vary depending on the size of your pond and where you source plants and other materials. Assuming you plan to do the digging yourself, creating a garden pond is relatively cheap. The main expense is the liner: synthetic ones run from as little as £1 per m² and upwards depending on the material and thickness. Puddling clay can cost anywhere between £40 a tonne plus transport, to £5 a tonne if buying in bulk and can be purchased online from a number of suppliers. After that, there’s the cost of stocking with plants, if you choose to buy them. How much you spend will obviously vary depending on the size of your pond and where you source plants and other materials.
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 See the Freshwater Habitats Trust’s [Guide to Creating Garden Ponds for Wildlife](https://lowimpactorg.onyx-sites.io/wp-content/uploads/garden-ponds-wildlife.pdf) or [Just Add Water](https://lowimpactorg.onyx-sites.io/wp-content/uploads/just-add-water.pdf) for more detailed information on digging, lining and stocking your pond, as well as trouble-shooting and seasonal maintenance. See the Freshwater Habitats Trust’s [Guide to Creating Garden Ponds for Wildlife](https://lowimpactorg.onyx-sites.io/wp-content/uploads/garden-ponds-wildlife.pdf) or [Just Add Water](https://lowimpactorg.onyx-sites.io/wp-content/uploads/just-add-water.pdf) for more detailed information on digging, lining and stocking your pond, as well as trouble-shooting and seasonal maintenance.
  
-### Safety+==== Safety ====
  
 Being quite shallow, ponds are relatively safe. However, drownings can and do happen and small children should never be left unsupervised around water. Educate them about the dangers of water or put up a small fence around the pond or a grille or netting over the top; both will still allow the wildlife to get in and out, and a grille / net will protect frogs and fish from herons too. Being quite shallow, ponds are relatively safe. However, drownings can and do happen and small children should never be left unsupervised around water. Educate them about the dangers of water or put up a small fence around the pond or a grille or netting over the top; both will still allow the wildlife to get in and out, and a grille / net will protect frogs and fish from herons too.
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-### Digging your pond+==== Digging your pond ====
  
 You don’t need a lot of space to make a pond (you can even make one in a sunken bucket or old sink). The most natural way is simply to dig a hole on land where water doesn’t easily drain away (in a large wet field or in very clay-heavy or rocky soil) and wait for aquatic plants and animals to colonise it. However, the success of this approach will depend both on the quality of the soil and the groundwater. Unless both are optimum, you’ll need to line and fill the pond yourself. You don’t need a lot of space to make a pond (you can even make one in a sunken bucket or old sink). The most natural way is simply to dig a hole on land where water doesn’t easily drain away (in a large wet field or in very clay-heavy or rocky soil) and wait for aquatic plants and animals to colonise it. However, the success of this approach will depend both on the quality of the soil and the groundwater. Unless both are optimum, you’ll need to line and fill the pond yourself.
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-### Lining your pond+==== Lining your pond ====
  
 There are a number of ways to line a pond which vary in terms of environmental impact, cost, labour-intensiveness, equipment and amount of land required. This is a brief summary of the most common and environmentally-friendly liners but [other options exist](https://lowimpactorg.onyx-sites.io/wp-content/uploads/FHT-advice-on-pond-liners.pdf). \[Note that concrete used to be a popular material for ponds but cement production (the main component in concrete) emits large amounts of pollution and CO² and so is not recommended.\] There are a number of ways to line a pond which vary in terms of environmental impact, cost, labour-intensiveness, equipment and amount of land required. This is a brief summary of the most common and environmentally-friendly liners but [other options exist](https://lowimpactorg.onyx-sites.io/wp-content/uploads/FHT-advice-on-pond-liners.pdf). \[Note that concrete used to be a popular material for ponds but cement production (the main component in concrete) emits large amounts of pollution and CO² and so is not recommended.\]
  
-### Puddling clay+==== Puddling clay ====
  
 [Pu](http://www.gardeningmasterclass.co.uk/how-to-garden-ponds/puddled-clay-ponds/)[ddled clay](http://www.gardeningmasterclass.co.uk/how-to-garden-ponds/puddled-clay-ponds/) is the traditional way of lining ponds and even larger waterways such as canals. Puddling involves working the clay repeatedly by trampling it until all the pockets of air have been squeezed out and it forms a dense, watertight layer. Clay is only suitable for very stable land as any movement in the subsoil will cause it to crack and lose water. For the same reason, clay-lined ponds must be dug well away from tree roots. Clay ponds also need to be kept constantly topped up to the brim so the edges don’t dry out and crack. [Pu](http://www.gardeningmasterclass.co.uk/how-to-garden-ponds/puddled-clay-ponds/)[ddled clay](http://www.gardeningmasterclass.co.uk/how-to-garden-ponds/puddled-clay-ponds/) is the traditional way of lining ponds and even larger waterways such as canals. Puddling involves working the clay repeatedly by trampling it until all the pockets of air have been squeezed out and it forms a dense, watertight layer. Clay is only suitable for very stable land as any movement in the subsoil will cause it to crack and lose water. For the same reason, clay-lined ponds must be dug well away from tree roots. Clay ponds also need to be kept constantly topped up to the brim so the edges don’t dry out and crack.
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-### Synthetic liners+==== Synthetic liners ====
  
 Synthetic liners are made from a range of modern materials like synthetic rubber or plastic. While these do create pollution in the manufacturing process, a good quality liner can last up to 25 years so the impact is spread out over the life of the pond. It’s important to remove all stones from the hole first to prevent the liner from ripping. You can provide some extra protection by putting a layer of old carpet or underlay down first. The ‘naturalness’ of a synthetically-lined pond can be increased by covering the bottom with a natural substrate such as clay, washed gravel or chemically-inert children’s play sand. This can be used for planting into and also provides a safe haven for creatures like dragonfly larvae. Synthetic liners are made from a range of modern materials like synthetic rubber or plastic. While these do create pollution in the manufacturing process, a good quality liner can last up to 25 years so the impact is spread out over the life of the pond. It’s important to remove all stones from the hole first to prevent the liner from ripping. You can provide some extra protection by putting a layer of old carpet or underlay down first. The ‘naturalness’ of a synthetically-lined pond can be increased by covering the bottom with a natural substrate such as clay, washed gravel or chemically-inert children’s play sand. This can be used for planting into and also provides a safe haven for creatures like dragonfly larvae.
  
-### Filling your pond+==== Filling your pond ====
  
 Ponds must be filled with clean water such as rainwater. Water from the tap or hose may contain too many nutrients which discourage aquatic plants and animals while encouraging algal bloom. Rainwater will probably fill your pond naturally, and you can set up a rainwater butt a couple of months in advance to collect enough water to fill your pond and keep it topped up. Ponds must be filled with clean water such as rainwater. Water from the tap or hose may contain too many nutrients which discourage aquatic plants and animals while encouraging algal bloom. Rainwater will probably fill your pond naturally, and you can set up a rainwater butt a couple of months in advance to collect enough water to fill your pond and keep it topped up.
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-### Stocking your pond+==== Stocking your pond ====
  
-### Plants+==== Plants ====
  
 Once your pond is dug and filled, you’ll need plants to make it look nice and provide an appealing habitat for wildlife. If you have the time and patience to let nature take its course then [you can just wait for plants to naturally establish themselves](https://lowimpactorg.onyx-sites.io/wp-content/uploads/Planting-Up-Ponds.pdf). While it might not look like a ‘proper’ pond for quite a while, there are advantages to this approach: new ponds have very different ecosystems to mature ones, and the early, unplanted stages favour certain species that prefer to live on a bare substrate, or don’t compete well with others. Even in these seemingly empty ponds you can find a large variety of wildlife if you look below the surface. One major advantage of leaving your new pond to its own devices is that the plant and animal species that colonise it under their own steam will be more appropriate than any we choose. You also avoid one of the major problems of planting-up: accidental transfer of invasive alien plant species. The only potential disadvantage may be more mosquitoes in the early stages, but this will level out in time as predators arrive. As the pond matures, it becomes colonised by plants and gradually silts up, at which point early-stage species move on or their natural predators increase, changing the balance. Once your pond is dug and filled, you’ll need plants to make it look nice and provide an appealing habitat for wildlife. If you have the time and patience to let nature take its course then [you can just wait for plants to naturally establish themselves](https://lowimpactorg.onyx-sites.io/wp-content/uploads/Planting-Up-Ponds.pdf). While it might not look like a ‘proper’ pond for quite a while, there are advantages to this approach: new ponds have very different ecosystems to mature ones, and the early, unplanted stages favour certain species that prefer to live on a bare substrate, or don’t compete well with others. Even in these seemingly empty ponds you can find a large variety of wildlife if you look below the surface. One major advantage of leaving your new pond to its own devices is that the plant and animal species that colonise it under their own steam will be more appropriate than any we choose. You also avoid one of the major problems of planting-up: accidental transfer of invasive alien plant species. The only potential disadvantage may be more mosquitoes in the early stages, but this will level out in time as predators arrive. As the pond matures, it becomes colonised by plants and gradually silts up, at which point early-stage species move on or their natural predators increase, changing the balance.
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 If you don’t want to risk picking, the other option is to buy a small amount of native plants from a reputable source. Obviously you can also buy native plants from garden centres but be aware it is not unknown for the seeds of some invasive alien plants to be present in the pots of others. If you don’t want to risk picking, the other option is to buy a small amount of native plants from a reputable source. Obviously you can also buy native plants from garden centres but be aware it is not unknown for the seeds of some invasive alien plants to be present in the pots of others.
  
-### Wildlife+==== Wildlife ====
  
 There’s no need to stock your pond with animals - just plant it and wait. Local wildlife will quickly detect the new water body and some species will appear in just a few days. There’s no need to add sludge from another pond to ‘get it started’ as again this carries the risk of introducing something undesirable. There’s no need to stock your pond with animals - just plant it and wait. Local wildlife will quickly detect the new water body and some species will appear in just a few days. There’s no need to add sludge from another pond to ‘get it started’ as again this carries the risk of introducing something undesirable.
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-### Fish+==== Fish ====
  
 Fish are a natural part of pond life in the wild but prey on other species and so have a disproportionately large impact in a small garden pond. If you want to have fish and other wildlife, then two ponds may be the best option if you have the space. Failing that, make sure your pond has some very shallow, densely covered areas with lots of bordering grasses that fish can’t get to and which provide a safe haven for other species. Fish are a natural part of pond life in the wild but prey on other species and so have a disproportionately large impact in a small garden pond. If you want to have fish and other wildlife, then two ponds may be the best option if you have the space. Failing that, make sure your pond has some very shallow, densely covered areas with lots of bordering grasses that fish can’t get to and which provide a safe haven for other species.
  
-### Caring for your pond+==== Caring for your pond ====
  
 Ponds can generally be left to do their thing but do require a certain amount of seasonal maintenance. Thinning out plants in the spring and summer and removing unwanted species helps to keep anything from dominating. In winter and autumn, it’s a good idea to remove fallen leaves. While a certain amount of twigs and leaves etc. falling into the water provides a source of food, too much will increase the nutrient level and form a layer on the bottom which can de-oxygenate the water. It’s good to have some overhanging, shady trees to prevent the water from drying up entirely in hot months (although if this happens, creatures will recolonize when the water returns). However, completely overshadowing the pond will block too much light. Ponds can generally be left to do their thing but do require a certain amount of seasonal maintenance. Thinning out plants in the spring and summer and removing unwanted species helps to keep anything from dominating. In winter and autumn, it’s a good idea to remove fallen leaves. While a certain amount of twigs and leaves etc. falling into the water provides a source of food, too much will increase the nutrient level and form a layer on the bottom which can de-oxygenate the water. It’s good to have some overhanging, shady trees to prevent the water from drying up entirely in hot months (although if this happens, creatures will recolonize when the water returns). However, completely overshadowing the pond will block too much light.
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-## Further resources+===== Forum ===== 
 + 
 +This topic belongs to the section [[gt:gardening|Gardening, smallholding & farming]]. You can ask questions or add information on the corresponding [Forum section](https://forum.growingthecommons.org/t/gardening). 
 + 
 +It is also in the sections 
 +  * [[gt:bushcraft|Bushcraft & Nature]] (Forum: [Bushcraft & Nature](https://forum.growingthecommons.org/t/bushcraft)) 
 +  * [[gt:water|Water & sewage]] (Forum: [Water & sewage](https://forum.growingthecommons.org/t/water)) 
 + 
 +===== Further resources =====
  
 - [Puddled clay ponds](http://www.gardeningmasterclass.co.uk/how-to-garden-ponds/puddled-clay-ponds/) - lots of articles - [Puddled clay ponds](http://www.gardeningmasterclass.co.uk/how-to-garden-ponds/puddled-clay-ponds/) - lots of articles
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-## Specialist curators of this topic+===== Related topics ===== 
 + 
 +- [[smho:Smallholding]] 
 +- [[ntpw:Natural pest and weed control]] 
 +- [[fish:Fishing]] 
 +- [[wiga:Wildlife gardening]] 
 +- [[ntaw:Nature awareness]] 
 +- [[reed:Reed beds]] 
 +- [[ntsw:Natural swimming pools]] 
 +- [[urbs:small-space gardening|Urban / small-space gardening]] 
 +- [[duck:Ducks]] 
 +- [[gees:Geese]] 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 +===== Specialist curators of this topic =====
  
  
  • pond/ponds.1765974467.txt.gz
  • Last modified: 2025/12/17 12:27
  • by Dave Darby