Pond under trees

[Gill Catton]

There are plenty of ponds in woodland which although are shaded support lots of wildlife, newts frogs, dragonflies etc. nobody clears them out but the animals don't seem to mind. It may not looks as 'pretty' as a typical garden type pond but it will still be valuable to wildlife.

Incidentally, I found my first ever great crested newt in a heavily overshaded pond which must have had over a foot of leaves, silt and mud in the bottom and about 6 inches of water above that!

[Red Robin]

Originally Posted by Gill Catton

It may not looks as 'pretty' as a typical garden type pond but it will still be valuable to wildlife.

....Exactly.

Unfortunately (in my opinion) many people have a tendency to manicure their gardens and also there is often, not always, an element of trying to impress the neighbours. Consequently, garden ponds aren't always the environments they could be for the benefit of wildlife. Using tap water ranks among the worst someone can do, so I've learnt on WAB. (I exclusively use river water).

Hopefully this WAB site can help educate people but how many of those needing that knowledge are likely to visit here?