New Member!!! Already feel mis-guided

karlo · #1 (**permalink**) 28-03-2009, 11:30 PM

Hi all,
new member to this site and very interested in building a wildlife pond.
looked at most of your pictures here and you lot have put my idea to bed!!!!!

the problem I think I have is that I do not have a large garden. (live in Manchester City centre) and I have already decked, built cono and done lawn as my family has expanded to 4 now

I am thinking of a raised 'wildlife' pond away from the decking and lawn but a small one. Approx. 1.5m by 1m (using a pre-mould liner) would this be big enough??? My garden is very open with no shelter at all some was hoping of using plants in pots etc to create the shade.
Just want to know if this is a no-go idea or can it happen??
Also is it true that fish and frogs cannot 'live' together?? getting conflicting information.
Thanks
Karlo

ron1863 · #2 (**permalink**) 29-03-2009, 12:05 AM

Welcome to WAB Karlo.

A lot of my friends have small ponds with fish in and have no problem with frogs or toads. You could always plant some flag iris beside the pond as it is quick growing, provides shade and attracts insects. You could use some potted plants for shade until they grow.

Cheryl · #3 (**permalink**) 29-03-2009, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karlo

Hi all,
I am thinking of a raised 'wildlife' pond away from the decking and lawn but a small one. Karlo

Hi Karlo. I'm wondering what you mean by raised as you will need to think about how the wildlife will be able to get into your pond.

Welcome to the Forum

karlo · #4 (**permalink**) 29-03-2009, 10:38 AM

Thanks for the quick replys.
When I mean raised I am thinking possible 2ft up from floor, so that my children or kids cannot fall into it, also do not really want to dig where I am planning of placing the pond as it is on patio.
Would I actually get wildlife where I am based?? In the city??
Ron1863, is there anyway of seeing some pictures please?
Thanks all.
Karlo

karlo · #5 (**permalink**) 29-03-2009, 11:00 AM

Hi, trying to post picture but cannot seem to do it

Tursiops2 · #6 (**permalink**) 29-03-2009, 11:47 AM

Hi karlo, welcome to WAB.

Sounds like you've got a bit of tricky situation there. Raised ponds certainly have value for the wildlife that can reach them, i.e. birds, insects, the larger and more agile mammals etc., but if you want frogs, you will have to ensure there is access to the pond from ground level. This isn't the easiest thing to do, as it needs to be rather more than just a plank (or whatever) leant against the side of the structure. Ideally, you would build an earth bank along one side of the pool, and plant it to provide cover and shelter, but this takes up space you might not have.

Some photos would be very helpful. To upload photos, click on "Gallery" at the top of the page. On the next page, click on "upload photos" (top right). Choose "Image Library" on the next page. On the upload page, choose category "Forum Images", then browse to find your photos on your PC. When your pics are uploaded, open the message you want to post, then open the photos in a separate tab, copy the "Forum Image" code for each one, and paste into your message.

Hope this helps, looking forward to seeing them.
T2

Pippa · #7 (**permalink**) 29-03-2009, 11:53 AM

Hi Karla,welcome to WAB

I always upload to image library and have never had any problem,infact just did it.

Good luck with the pond.

Hedera · #8 (**permalink**) 29-03-2009, 12:13 PM

Frogs jump! I have a small - really small- pond at the bottom of the garden, but found a frog in my mop bucket outside the back door, and another in a watering can, both with water in. Afriend had a half-barrel with waterplants and got skaters and insects in hours of placing it. Good luck with yours, it'll give you hours of pleasure and the children will learn from it.

karlo · #9 (**permalink**) 29-03-2009, 01:18 PM

Thanks for that. I may just go for the half-barrel ones instead of a raised pond.
I have tried that but cannot seem to find my photos when it has finished uploading???!!

Tursiops2 · #10 (**permalink**) 29-03-2009, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karlo

Thanks for that. I may just go for the half-barrel ones instead of a raised pond.
I have tried that but cannot seem to find my photos??!!

Did you upload to "Forum Images" or one of the Galleries? Gallery images have to fulfil certain criteria before they are accepted, and the approval process can take 24hrs or so. Forum Images are not moderated, and upload immediately.