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 these wild ponds are disappearing many pond keepers now consider building a natural pond in their garden. More than ever, this type of pond attracts wildlife in abundance simply because the animals are running out of places to go. These mini oasis give pond keepers hours of enjoyment and fun as well as a feeling of well being.

The 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.

The plants you use in natural ponds should be local to your habitat. This will ensure new growth and eliminate your frustration if everything you plant is dying. The important thing is to try and make your pond look and act as natural as possible. Don't add fountains, ornamental statuary or other man made objects to your pond or the naturalness will be removed. Many animals would be frightened off by these small structures sticking up in the middle of a pond. Being eco-friendly and environmentally responsible will help you maintain a beautiful and wonderful natural pond that will attract wildlife to your garden in abundance.