Over flow pipe

[lfphotography]

Hi

Does anyone know how to install a overflow pipe in a pond to stop the water getting above a certain level?

Thanks Liam

[King Edward]

It would be better if you posted these kind of questions all in the same thread (i.e. the one with the photos). Some of your questions are also rather odd and lacking in context - I really don't see how you can expect useful answers to something like this.

[Kayleigh]

There is a natural soak-away the water would just run off and seep into the ground the trees would take away most of the excess water from the wooded pond.

[Snidge]

Depends if the pond is raised, ground level, preformed, liner, brick/block, clay etc. The answers are different for each. Also depends on whether it is an occassional or persistant problem. I 'plumbed' a raised pond into a field drain and this worked, sealing the hole in the side wall with waterproof concrete and a sealant before putting the coping on. The coping pretty much hid it. It's still fine and watertight 15yrs later.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Snidge

Depends if the pond is raised, ground level, preformed, liner, brick/block, clay etc. The answers are different for each. Also depends on whether it is an occassional or persistant problem. I 'plumbed' a raised pond into a field drain and this worked, sealing the hole in the side wall with waterproof concrete and a sealant before putting the coping on. The coping pretty much hid it. It's still fine and watertight 15yrs later.

I was going on the recent photos put on by the OP of the pond in the woods I really do not think this would be a god idea for this particular pond.

[lfphotography]

ok thanks everyone for the comments.when do you think i can plant a few plants in the pond as i would like to get photos of dragonflys ect on yellow flag iris.

[Dogghound]

Mid to late spring is the best time of year, I would avoid planting over the winter. Is it the pond in the photo's? As King Edward has said you make it very awkward to give advice to as you hardly give any infomation. Each pond is a different system and has different ways of managing it. Even with a full description and photo's its not always easy without visiting the site. If you are planning on planting up the woodland pool you may struggle with yellow-flag as it looks quite shaded.

[lfphotography]

Yes the pond in the photos.I will be going down there at some point to take a few large branches out to let the light in more.Is there any jobs i can do at the moment down the pond?

Also shall i make 2 or 3 log piles for things to hide in and shall i put a perch in the water for the birds?

I am only 14 years old sp sorry for not giving much information.

Thanks Liam

[King Edward]

I really think you are going about this the wrong way. This is a wild pond in the countryside, and you should respect that before trying to change it to suit your idea of what it ought to be like.

Regarding light, the pond is currently quite shady and it is very likely home to species that appreciate/require shady conditions. These could potentially be lost if you alter the conditions too dramatically, which is why I think you should spend a bit more time finding out what is actually living in the pond, and less time trying to change things.

Regarding water levels, it does look as if the level goes up and down quite a lot during the year, perhaps even drying out occasionally. This is (1) completely normal, and (2) beneficial to many species. The drawdown zone (the area that floods in winter, dries out in summer) is also home to specialist species, so again your proposal to 'rake up leaves' around the pond could be damaging to these.

Your desire to plant Irises etc. is also about trying to change this pond into something it's not (a sunny, plant-filled pond), rather than what it actually is (a leafy, shady woodland pond). The only thing that really does need doing is to move the pheasant feeders much further away.

You'd do well to get a copy of The Pond Book, which covers creating and maintaining all sorts of different ponds. Beware a lot of 'standard' pond advice, which is aimed more at garden ponds (and fish/lily ponds) than at wild ponds.

[Billabong Karen]

Hi there Liam, I think King Edward really has put his finger on it. You need to work with what you have got, rather than try and change it too dramatically.

You are INCREDIBLY LUCKY to be given access to this pond! I am sure you will have a wonderful time getting to know it well, and all the creatures that live in and around it. You want to know what jobs need doing - I would say that your main job at the moment is to OBSERVE carefully. To be honest, ponds are pretty quiet during the winter months, but come February/March things will really start to hot up.

You could perhaps get a bench or wooden chair for yourself, so you can spend time quietly watching what is going on, camera at the ready. It would also be worth investing in some equipment for pond dipping (net, white bowl or similar), and a couple of good pond books and wildlife indentification books. I have found the Collins Guide to Freshwater Life to be of great help.

I think it's wonderful that you are so interested in this pond. Just do remember, it is already a small ecosystem - you need to respect that, and not try to change it to what you want it to be.

Looking forward to seeing more of your photos! Karen