getting rid of my Wildlife pond - advice please

chriswt · #1 (**permalink**) 16-07-2011, 07:36 AM

Hi,

Its with great regret that I've decided to de-commission our wildlife pond as we have a baby girl now and its just not practical to have the pond anymore.

I did consider building a cover and fencing around it but I feel its not worth the worry and hassle.

What I'm worried about is all newts and other creatures that have found a home there.

Is there a best time of the year to slowly empty the pond?

thanks

Chris

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 16-07-2011, 07:47 AM

September/October depending on where you are in the country and if you still have amphibian larvae in your pond.

Farplace · #3 (**permalink**) 16-07-2011, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chriswt

Hi,

Its with great regret that I've decided to de-commission our wildlife pond as we have a baby girl now and its just not practical to have the pond anymore.

I did consider building a cover and fencing around it but I feel its not worth the worry and hassle.

What I'm worried about is all newts and other creatures that have found a home there. Is there a best time of the year to slowly empty the pond?

thanks

Chris

Surely Any wildlife pond is worth the hassle of protecting? Teach your little one to be safe near water.

chriswt · #4 (**permalink**) 16-07-2011, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Farplace

Surely Any wildlife pond is worth the hassle of protecting? Teach your little one to be safe near water.

I would love it to be that simple but I would never forgive myself if something happened. She's only 8 months old now but when she starts to have friend round etc I've got to consider them too.

The pond needs moving regardless as its right under two apple trees which drop tens of apples into the water each year.

There is some council owned land behind my house which is a designated nature reserve (the size of a tennis court which is what it used to be) and has a natural pond there. I don't want to introduce anything to it but was very tempted to dig another small pond on the land and transfer all the water dependant creatures to the new pond!!!!

GCN lova · #5 (**permalink**) 16-07-2011, 08:55 AM

i think if you must remove the pond make sure there are no Great Crested Newts breeding there as they are in a number of our fellow WABBers ponds (these newts are protected and it is illegal to destroy their habitats). the best time would be when the smooth/ palmate newt larvae have left the pond as well as your tadpoles. when your daughter grows up i hope you can make another pond so you can educate her about the wildlife

because many youngsters just squish caterpillars or kick hedghogs

Jim Ford · #6 (**permalink**) 16-07-2011, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GCN lova

i think if you must remove the pond make sure there are no Great Crested Newts breeding there as they are in a number of our fellow WABBers ponds (these newts are protected and it is illegal to destroy their habitats).

Drain the pond! Every year we read about a toddler drowning in a garden pond.

Weighed against the safety of a child, the habitat of a few great crested newts doesn't count for much, and I don't think anybody will pursue you over draining 'their' pond (if indeed any live there).

I'd be inclined to puncture the bottom of the pond so it drains over a period of a few weeks. It will give time for life to find alternative 'accommodation'.

Jim

jaelen · #7 (**permalink**) 16-07-2011, 09:15 AM

There are things like this, Chris- any chance of these grid things being of any use?

Pond Safety Ltd >> Pond Safety Covers, Pond Safety Guards, Pond Safety Nets

these are not quite as attractive, but would certainly be safe enough... and might catch the apples, too.

http://www.dowlingsltd.co.uk/leaflet...ND%20COVER.pdf

and these are just... wow, amazing. Sculptural pond covers! I know they're probably VERY expensive (and not knowing what your budget is,especially with a new baby

) but it just goes to show the range of possibilities out there....

http://www.creativepondcovers.co.uk/...d=47&Itemid=54

PS. that last one is a slideshow- takes a few seconds to start up- and the ones they do for schools are lovely, too!

GCN lova · #8 (**permalink**) 16-07-2011, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

Drain the pond! Every year we read about a toddler drowning in a garden pond.

Weighed against the safety of a child, the habitat of a few great crested newts doesn't count for much, and I don't think anybody will pursue you over draining 'their' pond (if indeed any live there).

I'd be inclined to puncture the bottom of the pond so it drains over a period of a few weeks. It will give time for life to find alternative 'accommodation'.

Jim

thats probably why GCNs are declining, Jim.

i think a net or grid over it should help. i know what you mean but my grandparents had a pond and they've had like ten grandchildren and they didnt remove it or even put a net over it.

Jim Ford · #9 (**permalink**) 16-07-2011, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GCN lova

i know what you mean but my grandparents had a pond and they've had like ten grandchildren and they didnt remove it or even put a net over it.

Doesn't prove a thing!

They were lucky (and irresponsible!). Maybe if they'd had an 11th grandchild it wouldn't have been so lucky!

Jim

posie · #10 (**permalink**) 16-07-2011, 11:42 AM

..Chriswt did not ask 'whether' he should drain his pond...He has made the decision that is right for him in his circumstances....he is asking for advice or ideas on what method to employ that would be best for the wildlife to find another home WHEN he empties his pond...I agree with Jim Ford...right decision ..Good Luck with it Chris..

Posie