Building a Wildlife Pond

[Karizu]

Soon I will be constructing a wildlife pond in my garden - I am hoping to get some advice from more experienced pond keepers on this site.

My garden currently is paved with big square blocks and on the outside is walled off with a small layer of bricks. We intend to lift all these blocks and bricks and lay down grass and flowers where the bricks/blocks where.

I am going for a kidney bean shaped pond and am not sure about the design for the marginals and so on... How do i find out how much butyl/polythene liner do i need? There is a tree hanging over my fence where i plan to put the pond (sunnyest place), how do i stop leaves falling in during autumn?

I'm not going to start the pond work just yet but want a fine "blueprint" on how to and where to start. We need to finish redoing our kitchen and bathroom first :\

[Karizu]

Also, when would it be best for me to start the pond and how much would the butyl/polythene liner be?

[Ruth Daniel]

Hi Karizu,we are in the process of building a new wildlife pond (the old on has been dug up and kept as a holding tank for the water and frogs) also so I shall be watching this space for tips too!
I especially want to try and encourage Newts into the new one.
We cover our old one with netting in the autumn to avoid leaves falling into the water.
Good luck with your project......I shall be following your thread with interest.

[Kayleigh]

Hi Karizu welcome to WAB..
I used an on-line calculator it works the pond liner size out for you..
I went to Buckingham garden centre for mine they do on-line delivery but I live close enough so I picked it up and the underlay..
Pond Liners Direct: Pond Liners, Pond Pumps, Pond Filters: UK

I made a shallow edge about a ft deep all round then poured gravel on but slant it back as the gravel will fall into the bottom otherwise. Then everything has has easy access in and out also the blue tits will bath as its not too deep for them.
I put a turf edge on one side and let the grass grow newts,toads and frogs go in between the turf and the liner.
I planned all mine out on paper first so I knew in my head what I wanted it look like...
I looked to see how Alan Tichmarsh did his on how to be a gardener..
I got some good tips having never dug a pond before.
BBC Gardening - How to be a gardener Part Two

Try to post some pics when you start any problems you face there will be someone more knowledgeable who will be able to help..

[Karizu]

Sounds great, when would be the best time to start the pond?

[Hedge Witch]

Anytime up to early Spring might be best to make the most of next year's growing season. Obviously do not choose a frosty day for digging. Allowing the pond to fill naturally with rainwater is ideal.

[Kayleigh]

I started mine early spring when it was warm enough to get out into the garden again I think it was April..
Within two weeks I got a frog and later I got newts and toads breeding in it all the same year...

[Karizu]

I can't wait untill next year then

[Karizu]

When I'm able to i'll post a picture of my garden if that will be to any aid. Everyone else please feel free to help me more! Every little does infact help!!!