How to Create a Wildlife-Friendly Pond in Your Garden

Creating a garden pond is one of the most rewarding projects you can undertake to bring wildlife into your outdoor space. A well-planned pond provides a habitat for a variety of creatures, including frogs, newts, dragonflies, birds, and beneficial insects. Not only does it enhance your garden’s beauty and tranquility, but it also plays a crucial role in supporting biodiversity.

Research by the Freshwater Habitats Trust suggests that ponds are one of the most valuable features for wildlife, with small garden ponds contributing significantly to local ecosystems. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to design a wildlife-friendly pond that will attract and support a diverse range of species.

Why Create a Wildlife Pond?

A wildlife pond offers numerous benefits, both for nature and for your garden’s overall health:

1. Habitat Creation

Ponds provide essential shelter, breeding grounds, and food sources for various species. Studies show that adding a pond can increase the diversity of species in your garden by nearly 50%. Amphibians such as frogs and toads rely on ponds for reproduction, while dragonflies and damselflies use them for laying eggs.

2. Aesthetic and Wellbeing Benefits

The soothing sound of water and the presence of wildlife can turn your garden into a peaceful retreat. Studies indicate that access to water features and nature can improve mental well-being, reducing stress and anxiety. Moreover, properties with well-designed water features can see a potential increase in value of up to 10%.

3. Natural Pest Control

A wildlife pond can attract predatory insects like dragonflies, which help control garden pests such as mosquitoes and aphids. Frogs and newts also feed on slugs and insects, providing a natural alternative to chemical pest control.

Planning Your Pond

Before you start digging, careful planning will ensure your pond is as beneficial as possible for wildlife. Consider these key factors:

Location

Choose a spot that gets a balance of sun and shade. Ideally, a location with morning sunlight and afternoon shade will help regulate water temperature and reduce excessive algae growth. Avoid placing your pond directly under trees to minimise leaf litter accumulation.

Size and Depth

A depth of at least 90 cm (3 feet) in one area will allow amphibians to hibernate safely during winter. For smaller gardens, a pond with a diameter of 1.8 to 2.4 metres (6 to 8 feet) is usually sufficient. If space is limited, even a small pond or sunken container can support wildlife.

Shape

Irregular shapes with gently sloping edges create varied habitats, supporting a greater diversity of wildlife. Shelves at different depths allow different species of aquatic plants to thrive, creating a balanced ecosystem.

Gathering Materials

Now that you have a plan, it's time to gather your materials:

• Pond liner – Butyl rubber or EPDM liners are preferred for durability and flexibility. Avoid PVC liners, as they degrade over time.

• Underlay – A protective underlay (such as old carpet or specialist pond fleece) will help prevent punctures.

• Edging materials – Natural materials such as rocks, logs, and gravel help blend the pond into the environment and provide shelter for creatures.

• Aquatic plants – Select a mix of submerged, floating, and marginal plants for a balanced ecosystem.

• Pump (optional) – Useful for aerating the water but avoid fountains or strong jets, as they may disturb delicate species like amphibians.

Choose eco-friendly and locally sourced materials where possible to support sustainability.

Digging the Pond

Once you've marked out your pond using string or a garden hose, it's time to start digging.

• Create a gradual slope on at least one side to provide easy access for animals such as hedgehogs, frogs, and insects.

• Include shelves at different depths to accommodate a range of aquatic plants.

• Use removed soil to build up banks or planting areas around the pond, enhancing biodiversity further.

  
  

Pro Tip

Avoid using concrete or cement, as it can alter the water’s pH levels, making it unsuitable for wildlife.

Adding the Pond Liner

With your pond dug out, it’s time to install the liner.

1. Remove debris – Check for and remove any sharp stones, roots, or other objects that might puncture the liner.

2. Lay the underlay – This provides an extra layer of protection.

3. Position the liner – Carefully drape the liner over the hole, allowing for some overhang at the edges. Avoid stretching it too tightly, as it needs some flexibility.

   
   

Filling the Pond

Once the liner is in place, slowly fill the pond with water.

• Use rainwater whenever possible, as it is free from chlorine and other chemicals found in tap water. You can collect rainwater in water butts for this purpose.

• If using tap water, let it sit for at least 24 hours before introducing plants or wildlife to allow chlorine to dissipate.

  
  

Introducing Plants

Plants play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy pond ecosystem. Select a variety of species:

• Submerged plants – Oxygenating plants like hornwort and water crowfoot help keep the water clear.

• Floating plants – Water lilies and frogbit provide shade, reducing algae growth.

• Marginal plants – Marsh marigolds, purple loosestrife, and sedges stabilise the soil and provide shelter for wildlife.

  
  

Native Plants Are Best

Opt for native plant species, as they are better adapted to the local climate and will attract native wildlife. Some UK-native plant species that thrive in or around the margins of a pond:

Submerged (Oxygenating) Plants

These grow beneath the water’s surface, helping to oxygenate the pond and maintain water clarity:

• Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) – Excellent oxygenator and provides shelter for aquatic life.

• Water Crowfoot (Ranunculus aquatilis) – Produces delicate white flowers and thrives in moving water.

• Spiked Water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) – A valuable plant for insects and fish.

  
  

Floating Plants

These sit on the water’s surface, providing shade and reducing algae growth:

• Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) – Small, round leaves and white flowers, great for wildlife.

• Water Starwort (Callitriche stagnalis) – Spreads quickly and offers shelter for aquatic creatures.

• Water Soldier (Stratiotes aloides) – Forms spiky rosettes that rise and sink with the seasons.

  
  

Marginal Plants

These thrive in shallow water at the pond’s edge and provide excellent habitat for insects, amphibians, and birds:

• Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) – Bright yellow flowers in spring, great for early pollinators.

• Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) – A magnet for bees and butterflies, with tall purple spikes.

• Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) – Fragrant leaves and purple flowers, attracting pollinators.

• Brooklime (Veronica beccabunga) – Low-growing with blue flowers, loved by bees.

• Greater Spearwort (Ranunculus lingua) – Tall yellow buttercup-like flowers, ideal for wet areas.

  
  

Bog and Damp-Loving Plants (Around the Pond)

These thrive in moist soil just beyond the water’s edge:

• Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) – Creamy white flowers with a sweet fragrance, loved by insects.

• Ragged Robin (Silene flos-cuculi) – Delicate pink flowers that attract butterflies.

• Marsh Thistle (Cirsium palustre) – Provides nectar for bees and seeds for birds.

Creating Additional Habitat Features

Enhance your pond by incorporating features that benefit wildlife:

• Rocks and logs – Placing these around the pond edge creates basking spots for frogs and shelter for insects.

• Shallow areas – A gently sloping edge allows creatures like birds and hedgehogs to drink safely.

• Floating wood – A simple log in the water can serve as a resting place for insects and amphibians.

  
  

Maintaining Your Wildlife Pond

A well-maintained pond will remain a thriving habitat for years to come.

• Monitor water levels – During dry spells, top up with rainwater rather than tap water.

• Remove excess debris – Fallen leaves and plant matter can cause nutrient build-up, leading to algae problems.

• Manage plant growth – Trim back overgrown plants periodically to prevent them from dominating the pond.

  
  

Enjoying Your Wildlife Pond

Creating a wildlife-friendly pond is an exciting and rewarding project that brings nature into your garden while supporting local biodiversity. With careful planning, the right materials, and regular maintenance, your pond will become a thriving sanctuary for wildlife.

Take the time to sit back, observe visiting creatures, and enjoy the tranquillity your pond brings. Whether it’s dragonflies dancing over the water or frogs sheltering among the reeds, your efforts will be rewarded with a garden full of life.

Even if space is limited, small ponds or even mini water features in pots can make a big difference to local wildlife. By following these steps, you can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits both nature and your outdoor space.