questions re wildlife pond

icecreamdogpark

am thinking of doing a wildlife pond for frogs,dragonflies etc no fish going in it. My question is how deep should it be? and would it be ok without a filter or fountain? and have read it should be in full sun? the place a planned was shady:(?

hethmar

Have a look on the wildlife sites. It really depends on the space you have and your circs. Ours is about 25 ft by 14 ft and its 3 ft at the deepest point, coming out to really shallow at some edges. Id also advise you do use a pond liner and a filter does make a lot of difference to the growth of the plants and wildlife. Make sure that the edges are sheltered and cool because the first year we had the awful sight of tiny froglets stuck to the big stones and boulders round the edge as the stones get so hot.

Get lots of oxygenating plants too. Im not sure about it being in full sun ? Ours in shaded about 2/3 of it with a willow tree and a large number of big ferns and irises, etc. There is also duck weed, the tiny little weed over a good half of it, we keep having to scoop it out all the time. But its happily held newts, frogs, lots of dragon flies and tons of other interesting wild life for nearly 20 years now

hethmar

This may help

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/wildbritain/gardenwildlife/myspace/content.shtml?24

annie123

http://www.wildlifegardening.co.uk/pond.html
http://www.wildlifegardening.co.uk/images/pond.gif

http://www.wildlondon.org.uk/Miniguides/Wildlifegardening/Gardeningforpondlife/tabid/192/language/en-GB/Default.aspx


Deep shade isn't ideal for a wildlife pond as the plants won't flourish and some wildlife may not visit, but if it's a bright spot you should be OK. Sometimes it's possible to open up an area to light by removing branches from trees, pruning shrubs etc. If you could give 25% of it some direct sun that would make a big difference.


No filters are needed, just dig hole, fill with water and wait. Its amazing how quickly all sorts of things will find it.
Don't worry about the green algae bloom you WILL get a few weeks after making it, it will clear all by itself and no it's not dangerous to visiting wildlife.

A log pile near it, or a stumpery (mine is planted with ferns and slow groing ivy) great for frogs etc to pop into to cool down on hot days and sometimes overwinter in.
The web sites above have lots of info.

Happy digging

icecreamdogpark

Thanks so much off to read sites now !!

dogstarheaven

http://www.pondconservation.org.uk/advice/gardenpondsforwildlifepondclinic/keyadviceongardenponds this is a really good site, it's got a lot of useful advice from a charity specially about wild ponds! mine's in an recycled storage container (not ideal, but hey!) it's got rocks in it to allow my froggies to climb out and a few native plants in there too.. the pond's very clear, and have used oxygenators (plants) to help that. fountains and filters are not neccessary. and to provide a bit of shade. if left in full sun, then the build-up of algae will be accelarated as fast as you can blink (tho' the flying insects will get to see the glint of the water reflection very easily from this and perhaps they might like to inhabit it - imagine, damselflies, dragonflies!) mine was installed in Mar '09 and by end of May to early June the water was very clear. Important thing to note: use rainwater. if you don't have any, then use tap water but don't put any plants or in for about 2weeks. This allows for the water to de-cholorinate. If you don't allow time for this, and put in your plants, then it'll get very green and murky and won't become clear for ages...

hope this helps.. here's another site that is recmd for wildlife buffs/newbies that i use http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/ they're very friendly and helpful