Small pond construction tips needed

[Kit]

I want a small wildlife pond to try and encourage amphibians to stay. we get the odd frog from the neighbours on damp nights.

The space I have for the pond is about 140cm x 120cm with one long side adjacent to a fence. I know this is a small space but it is all I have.

What advice can you give me regards depths, shelves, plants (esp. edging) and oxygenation to help encourage the frogs (?and newts?)

Thanks in advance
K (West London/Middlesex)

[Dogghound]

Aslong as the pond is at ground lebel and they can get in and out shallow edges for emerging frogletts, then it will be fine. The key is to plant lots of undergrowth around it and attract insects and slugs for them to feed on. Dont use any chemicals in the garden and provide log piles rocks etc for them and their food to hide under. Planting up the pond helps, especially with breeding newts. A good diversity of plants is best, try and use native species.

[Kayleigh]

Hi kit,
all I said in the pm plus whatever you do don't ever put any "floating pennywort" in it..you will regret it if you do.

[dampflippers]

You need to make sure there is easy access in at least one place with a sandy or gravelly ramp.
I would suggest a shelf for marginals about 20cm deep. Make it flat or angles towards the side of the pond so that planting baskets don't slide off.
Make the centre as deep as possible, at least 18 inches, 2 ft if poss so that it is suitable for frogs to over winter at the bottom.
Native pond plants if poss, but not necessarily, but definitely no invasives:
floating pennywort, azolla/fairymoss, swamp stonecrop/Tilia recurva/crassula, are the worst.
Frogs like to spawn in shallow water, or where there are oxygenators near the surface.
Lots of oxygenators, marginals and vegetation round all or part of the edge.
Avoid concrete paving around the pond because it dries out tiny baby amphibians.
Good luck- keep a diary of what you put in and what you spot, take before and after photos, and enjoy!