How small can a small pond be

[alical6]

We have moved to a new house and there is a very small pond, no longer in use. I think it is too small to be functional but my family like the idea and think we should have a go. It is about 10 inches deep max and 22'' x 34''. Advice please, as I don't want to waste time and money, but nor do I want to miss an opportunity. Thanks

[Remou]

I live in rented house, so I put a plastic basin (such as you might use to wash dishes) in the yard with some grass, weeds and stones. It has to be topped up on a daily basis, but the birds love it, especially the starlings. They are sometimes crammed in, standing room only, with more queuing up. I will be adding more bathing facilities this year, before I am called a slum landperson

[King Edward]

Could you post a photo of the pond? Even one that small would attract a range of wildlife if it was in good condition. You might get breeding frogs/newts, water beetles, pond skaters, damselflies. Is there any water/plants in it at the moment, or is it empty? More importantly, does it hold water or would it need repair?

[GrayB]

Until recently my pond was no more than 2ft x 2ft and around 1ft deep. I never expected much wildlife in or around it but it attracted far more than I imagined, including Damselflies. Just fill it with water and I'm sure you'll be suprised at what it attracts
Gray

[Ukwildlifeo]

Its amazing how small a pond can be. Some water beetles and bugs are recorded in animal water troughs more often than in ponds, which shows some species like smaller pools and ponds.

[alical6]

thank you for all your encouraging replies. I have tried to upload a photo now but apparently the image is too big and I don't know how to resolve this. But your comments have spurred me on to have a go with my mini pond anyway!

[King Edward]

If the pond needs to be refilled, try to keep the water as low in nutrients as possible. You could put a layer perhaps 2 cm thick of clean sand or washed gravel over the bottom for plants to root into, and fill it with rainwater if you can.

[GCN lova]

if you think thats small i used ice cream tubs in my old garden ! i built around 3 with a window sill pot full of water and algae.

[Kayleigh]

Hi and welcome,
You need to resize your pics to under 1600 pix..

I have a half barrel and get frogs breeding and dragonfly larvae in there also lots of water slators like aquatic woodlice and lots of water-snail the birds love to drink from it too.