managing 'natural' pond

shropshire lass · #1 (**permalink**) 25-06-2010, 11:51 AM

We 'inherited' a man made duck pond (20' diameter ) almost 7 years ago. It does not have a liner and is on clay. It contained no plants or wildlife that I could see and was a cloudy, muddy mess. I put in an aerating plant and since then left it alone. It now has various plants and wilife in it, but it is being taken over by bullrushes. As much as I love to see them, they are very invasive. I have tried pulling some of them out but they are so deep rooted it is almost impossible (and dangerous - the bottom of the pond is very 'muddy'. I want to encourage as much as possible into the pond (which is in the middle of a field) - how do I 'manage' it? - any tips?

for the first time in years I have seen frogspawn in the pond this year

PS - I am another newcomer to your site - never written a thread before - so let me know if I should be putting more (or less ) info!!

look forward to your replies !

triops · #2 (**permalink**) 25-06-2010, 12:31 PM

Hi shropshire lass,

You will need to control bulrush (Reedmace, Typha latifolia or angustifolia) or it will take over the pond. I know several ponds which are now just dryish muddy patches because the Typha are out of control. Pull them out, hire a digger if necessary! As for attracting wildlife, as long as the pond has a variety of plants and some open water it will be a magnet for all sorts of wildlife. Ponds are wonderful, enjoy yours! As an aside, the most interesting thing you can do at the pond is to take a torch and look after dark, you will see even more than you can see in daylight.

shropshire lass · #3 (**permalink**) 25-06-2010, 01:13 PM

thanks for your reply - think I will have to invest in some waders (not for me though, for my husband !!)

There is a hole in the bank of the pond (4" diameter) any ideas? smaller than rabbit hole - I can identify those - we have plenty ! this one is right on the edge of the pond though.