Wildlife pond depth

[agrumpycow]

Now the weather has warmed up a bit (hopefully for a while ) we were thinking of getting started on the wildlife pond we've planned for our garden. We've got the shape, size & location sorted but are not sure that depth is best to encourage wildlife.
I'm planning on a two-tiered affair but can someone give me some pointers on the depth please? Ta in advance

[ron1863]

Hi Claire, I don't know much about ponds but I think the max. depth should be at least two feet or more at the centre to enable pond life to survive severe winters. I am sure someone with more experience will sort you out shortly.

[Kayleigh]

Yep Ron's spot on 18" to 2ft, 2ft being best or deeper that's the minimum..
Mine is quite shallow at the edges but is 2ft in the middle..

Good luck and post some pics..

[agrumpycow]

Cheers for that
Its part of the plan to redo our entire garden replacing it with more natural, wildlife supporting planting and we're going to take photos before, during and after so I'm sure you'll get to see them!

[ron1863]

Looking forward to seeing the results Claire, are you going to plant Iris, a beautiful plant for boggy places or ponds and good for dragonfly and other insects and with the bonus of beautiful flowers

[agrumpycow]

Originally Posted by ron1863

Looking forward to seeing the results Claire, are you going to plant Iris, a beautiful plant for boggy places or ponds and good for dragonfly and other insects and with the bonus of beautiful flowers

Thanks for the suggestion, we haven't got round to planning the fine detail yet but am open to suggestions

[agrumpycow]

Made a good start so far this weekend. Wasn't as level as we thought (hubby broke the spirit level ) so he's got a bit of work to do this week on the edges but we're pleased so far!


What's the bet that tomorrow morning it'll all have drained down a small hole

[Susie]

It's looking good! A couple of years back I dug a wildlife pond, with some excellent advice from WABBERs on what to include, and it has been simply smashing and a real asset to the garden. I hope yours will prove to be the same.

I don't know if you had anything in mind but to cover the black lining at the edges of the pond you can invert turfs and hang them over the edge (so that they trail into the water).

[agrumpycow]

Originally Posted by Susie

It's looking good! A couple of years back I dug a wildlife pond, with some excellent advice from WABBERs on what to include, and it has been simply smashing and a real asset to the garden. I hope yours will prove to be the same.

I don't know if you had anything in mind but to cover the black lining at the edges of the pond you can invert turfs and hang them over the edge (so that they trail into the water).

Cheers, we're probably going to do a combination of turf/stones/planting but have no firm plan. I think that's one of the things with wildlife ponds, no strict plan is needed, just see what happens!

Has any one got any suggestions of marginal plants (or others) to put in the water?

[Susie]

Cuckoo flower and water forgetmenot are a couple of my favourites for the edges. In shallow water I love marsh marigolds yellow flag iris and purple loosestrife.