A natural pond is a hive of activity. All sorts of animals such frogs, pond skaters, dragonflies, turtles, even the odd fox will pay a visit. These ponds are very important for the conservation of wildlife, animal and plant. As these wild oasis disappear, and they are going at a very fast rate, the plants and animals disappear too. Animals travel to man made watering holes that may be dangerous for them.



The animals end up drinking from contaminated sources such as sewage runoff ditches, chemical dumps or drainage. They are poisoned by foreign substances and die. These species that need wild watering holes are slowly disappearing and there may not be a way back for their kind. And remember, its not just the animals that visit these watering holes that suffer when the pond is filled in. Thousands of pond life are instantly buried alive when the pond is destroyed to make way for a new freeway because its cheaper to fill in a hole than it is to over or around.

Because of this shortage of natural ponds many pond keepers are now trying to build a style of ponds that is specifically aimed at wildlife. These man made ponds offer a sanctuary for wildlife and can bring their own kind of special interest, appeal and tranquility to any garden.

Design And Maintenance

Any sized natural pond is a bonus for the wildlife in your area but try and build yours as big as possible. It wants to be in a sunny area but should have some shade cover as well, perhaps from a tree. When you dig out for your pond make the edges with a gentle slope so there are depth variations. Remember, you are trying to create something that looks natural so make it an irregular shape. Hopefully in a few months it will look like it was there before you! Lay your pond liner on sand and put a layer on the top as well. When its prepared you can fill with tap water and leave to settle. Aquatic plants will probably soon start to appear as mother nature starts her work. Try not to let the plants take over which can happen until your mini eco system finds its balance. Keeping plants down to about 30% of your pond area is a good idea.

It will also be necessary to periodically clean the pond by removing any dead leaves or unwanted plants but do not clear out in the first few months of the year because that is the time that amphibians and invertebrates are breeding and their eggs could be attached to the weeds. Always leave removed weeds and leaves spread out along the edge of the pond to allow for any creatures to escape that may have been accidentally removed from the natural pond.

Always choose plants that are local to your area. This will keep the wildlife happy and you happy because they are much more likely to thrive and not die off. When choosing your plants at the garden center don't be tempted by any pond statues or other ornaments. I've seen several ponds where the owner has created a lovely natural presence only to ruin it by sticking a statue of a little boy peeing! It will ruin your hard work and the animals don't like it either. You have created a natural pond that will attract plenty of wildlife and your pond itself will be full of life once your eco system kicks in. You will get endless enjoyment from a natural pond and you can pat yourself on the back for being eco friendly.