Child Friendly Wildlife Pond

[wildaboutlife]

We are looking to create a wildlife pond in our small garden, but we have two small children. I have found that you can get safety grid mesh to fit over the pond, but the holes are very small. The company thinks a frog can fit through. But they mainly supply to people who want to protect their fish, so plants can not really grow out of the mesh. I have seen a metal grille on the internet at a chelsea show, but I can't locate that anywhere.

I was just wondering if anyone had any good ideas for creating a safe wildlife pond?

Thanks a lot

[NickCantle]

Hello!

I'm not too sure how old your children are, but are they of the age that you can tell them something and they'll take it in? Could you perhaps tell them that they're not to go too close to the water unless they're with you. Presumably they're never unsupervised near the pond anyway, so it shouldn't be a problem. I'm all for keeping tiddlers safe, but I think to introduce something that will visually detract from the beauty of a pond might not be the solution. When I was a wee nipper, my Mum told me never to touch the 'Purple' flowers (Nightshade) and I never did. She told me about the dangers and instead of her ripping down the plant and ridding the garden of it, she told me about it.

I appreciate fully that children are inquisitive and curious, and that's why we love them! I think that sometimes, things can be compromised. It's totally up to you obviously, but do tell us what you do

Nick

[Meta menardi]

You don't say how small, but if you have any concerns, save the pond for when they can help you and appreciate it.

[Tursiops2]

Originally Posted by Meta menardi

You don't say how small, but if you have any concerns, save the pond for when they can help you and appreciate it.

I'd agree with that. It's toddlers that are at most risk (and there is a risk), once they get to 3 or 4 they're capable of learning basic safety rules - and capable of climbing out if they do fall in.
T2

[bob b]

Re-inforcing steel for concrete slabs will fit over all but the biggest ponds, dont paint it though, leave it aue naturelle, as it rusts it,ll blend in. Builders suppliers keep it in stock, lets anything through, and keeps kids safe.

[wildaboutlife]

Hi,

Thanks for all the replies. Children are 2 and 3 and a half, I think they would listen if I told them not to go near the pond, but I don't want to take the risk of an accident. If there was no pond safety system they wouldn't be able to enjoy the garden by themselves.

We are trying to create a wildlife garden in our small patch of earth and I have seen frogs in the ivy and woodmice and all the advice says a pond is essential.

Just had a quick look at the re-inforcing steel on the internet. Do the builders merchants make it made to measure? There seems like hundreds of types - which one is the best to go for?

Thanks again for all the advice, really appreciated.

[NickCantle]

Originally Posted by wildaboutlife

Hi,

Thanks for all the replies. Children are 2 and 3 and a half, I think they would listen if I told them not to go near the pond, but I don't want to take the risk of an accident. If there was no pond safety system they wouldn't be able to enjoy the garden by themselves.

Absolutely

[Meta menardi]

Originally Posted by wildaboutlife

Hi,

Thanks for all the replies. Children are 2 and 3 and a half, I think they would listen if I told them not to go near the pond, but I don't want to take the risk of an accident. If there was no pond safety system they wouldn't be able to enjoy the garden by themselves.

We are trying to create a wildlife garden in our small patch of earth and I have seen frogs in the ivy and woodmice and all the advice says a pond is essential.

Just had a quick look at the re-inforcing steel on the internet. Do the builders merchants make it made to measure? There seems like hundreds of types - which one is the best to go for?

Thanks again for all the advice, really appreciated.

If you have frogs, then they have somewhere they are happy with. Your most important wildlife is currently aged 2 and 3 1/2.

If you put in a pond, it will be colonised by your local flora and fauna. Keep an eye on the locality for a few years, then, pond up!

[cwilk]

I have just had exactly the same problem. I used steel reinforcing mesh, painted dark green and it looks fine. I laid it over the top with a reasonalble overlap and the marginal plants are growing up through it disguising the edges.

The holes are about 8 inch square so big enough for pond dipping but small enough to stop small people falling in.
If you do a search for it, it is called re-bar. We got given some but there is some on ebay, or I would try asking at builders merchants. Alternatively, try asking at likely looking building sites. If you only want an off cut you might be given some.

RE BAR CONCRETE REINFORCING MESH LGE QUANTITY 4 SALE on eBay, also, Other Building Materials, Building Materials Supplies, Business, Office Industrial (end time 26-Apr-09 18:22:55 BST)

[cwilk]

Forgot to say - its very strong but you can cut it to size with a large hacksaw.

It is difficult to get a balance of safety vs 'cotton wool kids' in the garden. In theory I wouldnt let a toddler in the garden with an uncovered pond anyway, but it is that one minute when you turn your back, answer the phone, see to another child etc, that tradegies happen. Also the neighbours have very small kiddies and our hedge is pretty gappy so we have to be responsible about the pond.