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How to Build a Pond
Ponds are a great way to increase life & activity in your garden. By adding the element of water you can encourage wild birds, dragonflies, hedgehogs, frogs, Newts & more into your garden.
When building a pond there are a number of things to consider.
Pond Location
Choose a sunny spot. Avoid shaded areas & best not to position under an overhanging tree. Also, always take into consideration what cables & pipes might be running underground before excavating.
Pond Depth
The base of the pond should vary in depth. The deepest area should be around 90cm / 3 feet in depth. Whilst around the edge you should create flat plains approx. 30cm / 1 foot deep. It is also advised to have a ramp leading into / out of the pond.
Pond's Overall Size
When working out the shape & size of your pond, you should make sure that the pond area is no less than 5m2, anything smaller & the pond will not sustain itself & will become stagnant.
Type of Liner
You can go for either a rigid or flexible liner. Flexible would be a better option as it will allow you create your own shape & allow you work to your own site conditions & levels. The most common types of liners would include PVC, butyl rubber, LDPE & heavy duty polythene.
Working out the amount of liner required
- Length required: Length of Pond + Depth of Pond x2
- Width required: Width of Pond + Depth of Pond x2
Maintaining Your Pond
- Regular cleaning of your pond including removal of fallen leaves
- Maintain surrounding plants to reduce leaf fall into pond
- Sow oxygenating plants such as margin plants, water lilies & surface floaters
- In Winter, remove or break up frozen ice sheets
- Control algae growth by ensuring water is flowing / moving at all times
- Routinely inspect pumps & filters
- Maintain the right water level
