Building a Wildlife Pond: Creating a Thriving Habitat in the UK
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 มิ.ย. 2024
- Are you the type of person interested in creating a wildlife pond in the UK? Do you need guidance on planning and shaping the pond and digging and rocking it. Do you also want to learn about planting pockets, detailing the pond, filling it, and edging it properly? Can we give you helpful tips for creating a beautiful and functional wildlife pond?
Here are the steps to create a small wildlife pond:
0:00 Wildlife Pond UK
In the video's opening seconds, we introduce the topic: a wildlife pond in the UK. This sets the context for the rest of the video, highlighting that we focus on creating a habitat tailored to support local wildlife species.
0:15 Planning a Wildlife Pond
This section emphasises the importance of careful planning before starting the construction process. We discuss various considerations, such as the ideal location, size, and depth of the pond and the inclusion of different features like shelves and sloping edges to accommodate diverse wildlife needs. We set the foundation for creating a successful wildlife pond by explaining these crucial planning steps.
0:44 Shaping the Pond
Once the planning stage is complete, we shape the pond. This section covers the physical layout and design of the pond, ensuring it blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. We discuss using stakes, ropes, and measuring tools to accurately outline the pond's shape and size. These initial steps lay the groundwork for creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional wildlife pond.
4:00 Digging the Pond
This section delves into the exciting process of digging the pond. We highlight the importance of removing topsoil and reaching the desired depth, ensuring the pond can hold sufficient water. We discuss techniques for excavating the pond, including machinery or manual labour, while emphasising the need to be mindful of the potential impact on the ecosystem and any protected species in the area.
6:25 Rocking in the Pond
Once the pond is excavated, we add rocks and stones to create a diverse and natural habitat. We explain how strategically placing rocks at different depths can provide resting spots for amphibians, reptiles, and insects. This section showcases our commitment to creating an appealing pond that supports a wide range of wildlife.
7:41 Pond Planting Pocket
This part highlights the importance of incorporating aquatic plants in the pond. We introduce the concept of a pond planting pocket, a specialised area where various water plants can be submitted. We discuss the benefits of aquatic vegetation, such as oxygenation, filtration, and shelter for freshwater organisms. By including this step, we promote a healthy ecosystem within the pond.
16:58 More Time-Lapse Rocking and Plants
This section provides an additional time-lapse sequence showcasing the continued placement of rocks and the introduction of more aquatic plants. Using a time-lapse, we demonstrate the gradual development of the pond, capturing viewers' attention and emphasising the ongoing effort required to create a thriving wildlife habitat.
18:22 Detailing the Wildlife Pond
Now, we look closer at the various elements that make the wildlife pond a suitable habitat for different species. We discuss the importance of incorporating diverse plant species, such as native marginal plants and floating plants, to provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds for wildlife. Additionally, we emphasise the need to avoid introducing invasive species that could harm the ecosystem.
19:30 Filling the New Pond
In this section, we focus on filling the pond with water. We highlight the importance of using non-chlorinated water collected from rainwater or natural sources to avoid harming aquatic life. We also discuss the importance of monitoring the water level to maintain a balanced ecosystem within the pond.
20:11 Edging Wildlife Pond
The edging of the pond is a critical aspect of its construction. We discuss different options for pond edging, such as rocks, logs, or natural materials, and emphasise the importance of creating gradual slopes to facilitate safe access for wildlife.
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Mark is The Pond Advisor; Mark Wilson has been a garden pond specialist for over 30 years. He provides these pond and water feature videos to help you promote his multi-award-winning organisation, Garden Water Features Limited. Mark is based in the UK (but supplies water features all over Europe).
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Mark, many thanks for taking the time to detail the builds and the thinking and planning that goes into them. Finished my pond with waterfall today and got so much joy out of seeing the first visitor .... a blackbird having a drink then taking a bath ( even tried the moss to see how easy it would be for his nest building ) top man for sharing your knowledge
Thank you for watching
I admire how you take the time to go through the comments and explain stuff to people keep up the great work
thank you
Thank you for the video. Very helpful as I am just in the process of digging hole for a small pond here in Eastbourne.
Sounds good 👍🏻
Literally spent the entire day watching your videos. You make some awesome ponds. Bravo!
Thank you for your time
Hi Mark :) I just wanted to thank you, me and my family have been following this tutorial this weekend so much haha we've now installed our first wildlife pond :) thank you so much for all you do
Great to hear!
very nice! thank you, I especially like the overflow into the border. great job
Glad you enjoyed it! Adding overflow to the border creates a unique look and keeps water fresher. Designing a water feature is about personal creativity and seamless integration with the landscape. If you have questions or a similar project, feel free to ask. Good luck with your gardening endeavours!
IT'S SO NICE TO WATCH YOU IN ACTION, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
Thank you for watching
Brilliant! I love the end result, the 10th step is my favourite. I really enjoy your how to videos and seeing what can be created. The wildlife will surely be happy living there
Do you think you could build something like this?
The Pond Advisor I’m not sure my skill set is there yet. I would like to one day!
You can do it
Lovely pond. Its nice to see so many people interested. They are not expensive to build, fun educational and help nature. Great for children ( Covered of course).Great job. 🐌
Thank you
This video is so interesting. I've made a few ponds over the years in various houses, but never thought to use aquatic soil. Thank you for explaining it.
Glad it was helpful!
Lovely pond...!!!
Always informative and entertaining. I always learn something from your videos, thanks Mark 👍
Kevin Whitmore thank you 🙏
BEAUTIFUL
Always enjoy your videos about wildlife ponds... They are very instructive 👍🏼
globalhikingcr thank you, 👍🏻
Excellent video with lots of explanation. About to remove an ancient preformed pond and use the space for a proper wildlife pond so this was so useful. Off to look at more videos! Thankyou
Thanks for your time, enjoy
Wow, we just learned so much. Extremely educational and inspirational. Thanks very much.
My pleasure
Love the planting pockets … Great idea to stop the pond getting over run ..great video
Glad you enjoyed
What a wonderful video. You are an artist. Thank you so much for all the inspiration. I just got my liner for a 7 by 3ft with a 18 inch depth. I am afraid to even start this. It will be my first pond. But your video was so wonderful and inspiring that I think I might try. I have always wanted a pond. And allyour thought for the little creatures . You are truly a wonderful man. Thank you so much!
Thank you it means the world, enjoy
Beautiful mark , it would be nice to see it next year to see who's moved in 🐸🦎🦟🐌
budget pond keeping, I rarely go back unless something is wrong or the pond needs attention. Ponds with no filtration need the owners attention, so if they are on top of the maintenance I don’t need to go out. If they are not then the pond needs work.
@@ThePondAdvisor 👍
Love the plant 🌱 info
Rob Harry did you watch the plant video last week, was from the same site
Another great install 👍
Blinkyfish thank you
Very helpful. Thanks!
Thank you 🙏
A beautiful pond. What a lovely job you have.
Thank you 🙏
Very pretty & great instructor. Thank you xx
Thank you for the comment it means the world
Beautiful
Thank you
Really enjoy these vids and the most important part of any pond building process is the lunch 🥙
yes, you have to keep your energy up
What a lovely video! I thoroughly enjoyed this. Thank you
Thank you for watching
That is truly amazing!
Thank you
👏👏👏💖 Brilliant job Mark , so informative and great ideas on the potting side, first time i have seen you use the stone matting 👍, great inspiration.
Thanks
I have used the gravel matting on a few wildlife ponds as it’s great for the aquatic life to use as a ladder
Brilliant wildlife pond. 👍
Thank you
You make this look so easy!!
Taken me 30 years ha ha
Thanks for a great and very inspiring video! 👍
Thank you for your time
Amazing 😺. Thanks 👍
Thank you! Cheers!
I'm considering making a pond for the first time this year, really helpful video :)
Thank you very much
Great video! Thank you! I will follow your instructions and make a wildlife pond in my backyard (in Serbia). ☺️🐸🦋🌳
Lovely ☺️
Mark you are the greatest of all time ❤.
Thank you it means the world
Beautiful design.
Glad you like it
Great pond Mark
Greenmachine780 thank you
Truly lovely Mark, love the planting pocket’s. That is in essences how I did mine but using hessian, so I might have my work cut out keeping on track. Just got to get rid of my other pits now, lol.
MrStevebeech thanks mate
Other pits?
The Pond Advisor , lol should have been “pots”
MrStevebeech Ha Ha I see, some plants are better in pots or pits, you can manage them also rock around or the double pot method
Very usefull vid, its inspired me to give it a go.
Thank you for sharing, it means the world
Just started my pond it's only going to be roughly a foot deep hopefully that brings some wildlife great job guys
Frogs love shallow ponds
Thanks for guide. Good video :)
Thank you 🙏
Nice work Mark...
Darren Thompson thank you 🙏
Beautiful thoughtful job
Thank you! Cheers!
I wish my garden soil easy to dig like that , thanks Mark
Thank you
Amazing video !! I can’t wait to build my own one day
Thank you
❤️
Beautiful work 👌
Thanks my friend 💌 greetings from India 🌷🇮🇳
Welcome 🙏
Beautiful wildlife pond...wish you success and always be healthy
Thank you for watching and your kind words
@@ThePondAdvisor you're welcome..wish you all the best
Great content,thanks
Thank you 🙏
What a nice man.
Thank you
The pond is beautiful
Thank you
You are welcome
Awesome video very insightful
Thank you 🙏
A great video and useful plant info for smaller ponds. We're about to put in a preformed tiny wildlife pond (after finding a toad living in our lawn!). Too small an area to dig out our own but hoping to use some waterfall foam to secure rocks/pebbles around the edge to hide the lip and give it a more natural look (as best you can with a plastic pond buried in the ground). Can't wait to get started after your inspiration though.
Thank you for watching, enjoy
Hi there - really enjoyed this, the first of your videos that I've come across. Looking forward to trying out some of these ideas. Just something to note regarding amphibian hibernation: our toads and newts actually hibernate on land and it's common frogs that are far more aquatic, sometimes hibernating in pond substrate - so there's another opportunity to build if you fancy a nice hibernaculum near to your pond! Thanks again!
Glad you like them!
Thanks for pointing that out. If anyone is looking to support local amphibian populations, building both aquatic and terrestrial hibernation sites near ponds can be very beneficial. Your insight will surely be helpful to those interested in creating habitats for these wonderful creatures! Keep up the good work
Great video and a fantastic end result, love the wildlife pond, what were you pond measurements?
ALso what size liner would be required for a pond based on your measurements with the layers
Thank you
I think it was the nano pond kit without the filtration. You can find the details in the product description waterfeature.shop/products/nano-pond-kit
I don’t mean to sound concerned or worried but you eat really fast...it doesn’t seem human! Haha great video, thanks!
Ha Ha , saves time so I can play more in the hole.
I love frogs I after watching this I want to make a pond now
Same every time a watch it back.
Great video and very inspirational! I have a question about the planting pockets - are they important or can you just use aquatic plant baskets?
Yes, absolutely
Wonderful & inspirational for sure! thx for sharing. Some eco specialists however are concerned about the use of plastics ??? they say it completely cuts of the pond's intrinsic link with the natural environment - the very basis of life on earth? are plastics the only option here?
Looks wonderful. I want to put in a still water pond like this. What is the white liner and 2nd layer liner made from. Can I get that pebbe mat here in the US? 🐸
I don't know if you can get the pebble matting in the US. The white liners are fish safe protection. Look into the Aquascape Inc range of pond products.
love watching these videos whats the min size for a wildlife pond
Depends on the wildlife you want to keep, great question, I have created a few 30cm by 30cm by 15cm drinking holes. Aquatic insects will enjoy a pool of rain water.
If you could go back to this pond and install a wildlife trail camera so we can see what animals visit this pond.
That would be fantastic and real motivation for people to build ponds like this in their gardens.
Do multiple wild animals visit this pond, yes off course trail cameras will capture a number of large mammals and birds
@@ThePondAdvisor - What I am saying is if you could provide a video update some time later, by putting motion activated trail cameras in the ponds you install,
that would be greatly appreciated by your audience.
In the ponds? I think the water movement would trigger the camera
Great and really helpful thank you! I have a stumpary / fern bed I'd like to add a small pond into. I've plants and rocks from a raised planter/pond. Am guessing it'll be ok to use these as using rainwater to fill it?
yes, be aware of those weeds however, plant in the wrong place, you get to choose whats a weed.
th-cam.com/video/2j93YzjVOXA/w-d-xo.html
Can you spell the fiber optic plant you used @ 13:40? Thanks a lot for all the time you put into making videos for your community!!
Scirpus cernuus - Fibre optic plant
Hi Mark, great video. What plants would you advise against using, or need to be in containers?
CATANDEYE KOI video in the pipe line, short answer all the fast spreading ones, ie mint, some reeds ete
@@ThePondAdvisor Thank you Mark (from sunny Peterborough)
Hi. What is the benefit or reason to take the turf off first? I was going to take my tiller and just start digging from the center outwards and shovel away the dirt and grass.
I can use it upside down to create a wall
Hi mucker... ive been thinking on a small wildlife pond myself, one thing though id like it still no pump etc but will it not stink over time or do i need to change water at anytime??
Still wildlife ponds depend on plants, no the water does not stink if the balance is right, the load on the system and the amount of plant material
Looks beautiful and very natural. I just have one question what do you have to keep the water circulating ?
The pond plants do the filtering, the owners are the mechanical filtration removing waste as it falls.
@@ThePondAdvisor that’s great, I guess Mother Nature really does do the best job. Thanx!
@@Lwimmermastermetalart with a helping hand regarding mechanical waste
I have some boggy spots in my garden in the shade where the grass won’t settle. A pond would be ideal in that spot. Would you recommend placing a natural wildlife pond of this size in the shade?
Yes you can have a pond anywhere, if you have a lot of tree you will have to cover it in the autumn, plus use green shade loving plants
Sick Pond! I've a question, why did you have to take the turf away either side of the pond? It's something to do with the level but I can't work it out.
I have been wanting to make a garden pond for such a long time and your videos have been so inspiring! I am making a list of supplies that I will need to make one myself! Is there a list somewhere that is made of the products that you use? I'm mostly curious of the gravel looking liner you are using. I love the idea of hiding a lot of the black liner! Thank you for sharing your pond installations!
Pebble liner I purchase from a local aquatic store. We don’t have still water wildlife pond kit lists. It’s very much protection, liner and materials for the installation
Hi, whats the sandpaper looking stuff you put round the deepest part of the pond? Cheers!
Pebble covered liner
Hey Mark! Love your videos! Can you tell me what the brown fabric was?
Professional grade under and overlay? Made by Aquascape in the US, waterfeature.shop/products/professional-grade-non-woven-underlay/
Could you provide a listing of the items you used in this? I'm in the northern US and I have not seen the lining material that resembles sandpaper (under the big rocks ) before. Wonderful video, greatly enjoyed it. :)
I can’t remember everything, liner, under and over liner, waterfall foam, soil, plants, pebble covered liner, all created with hand tools, one guy 8 hours
@@celestialgardens4380 thanks for watching
Thanks for all the great info. I've just subscribed to keep up to date. I'm wondering if you had to put in a pond on a real big hill would you backfill the bottom or just dig deeper?
Dig down to a level spot, you do need to build a retaining wall. Or build a retaining wall to hold the pond water back, 9” thick wall 225mm
@@ThePondAdvisor thank you. Is there another way, like a 45 degree dig? Also have you got a video on something like this?
Yes you can dig the bank back, our fish pond construction video was on a bank about 600 high 3m back, so we dug out 600 at the back before water level.
m.th-cam.com/video/IFj5ZCA4hyE/w-d-xo.html
@@ThePondAdvisor thanks
WOW! That is the best instruction I have seen on how to build a wildlife small pond by hand. We are looking to build one similar size, could you advise me how many bags of rocks you had approximately? Small ones and the large rocks please. Thank you in advance.
I have a couple of video how much rock to use. They were about a month ago I think 4 or 5 videos back
@@ThePondAdvisor Thank you. I will chk it out.
Hey, just watched your video. I loved it and learnt a few new great things which I’m going to do. My last pond build was 20+ years ago . I love the rocks and planting pockets but my question is, what type of material did you use on top of the liner? I didn’t do that before but can really see the benefits. Thanks Julie :)
Aquatic safe Overlayment
waterfeature.shop/search?q=aquascape+underlayment
Thank you 😊
Love this pond.. how do you maintain it and keep water from going smelly?
The amount of water plants
@@ThePondAdvisor thank you! I'm landscaping atm so I'll dig one in while I'm gardening. our yar is sloped so I'll have to fill more than dig lol.
Sounds good, we have the natural water treatments for sale that we use did you watch the video the following week I show you the treatments we used.
Hi mark :) do you have links for the underlay, liner and overlay you used? I'm doing a small frog pond the same size as this
waterfeature.shop/search?q=liner
waterfeature.shop/search?q=underlay
Hi, I’m getting ready to built something similar at my place and I was wondering what size pond liner did you use? Thank you
waterfeature.shop/products/aquascape-uk-stream-and-pond-liner-by-the-box?_pos=1&_psq=8’+by+10&_ss=e&_v=1.0&variant=33041883463715
Is the actual pond liner sandwiched between the 2 fleeces, as you are using 3 layers?
Three liners, under liner, rubber liner, over liner. Cheap insurance
I feel like this is a silly question... but how do you manage flooding? I live in an area with heavy clay that can go from very dry to huge rains. There isn't an issue with dirt flooding in to the pond, or the smaller gravel or soil washing away exposing the liner? I have this fear you'll get water under the liner causing it to collapse!
Yes this can be a problem, under pond drainage, in my garden in Daventry U.K. it’s heavy clay and water would sit in the hole for years. How we got around it was to raise the pond and area around the pond by 6” so when the pond is full the weight of the water holds the water out of the clay hole. It’s only a problem then if the pond drops below this level.
Think of a bag in a bucket, if the bag is full of water and higher or taller than the bucket underneath. The bucket can’t be filled. But when the bag is not full or the water is low below the top of the bucket. Water can fill the bucket.
If you can add a drainage hole in the base of the hole or half way down then you can keep the waterproof bag the same level as the top of the clay hole. Other ways are possible creating a soak away with a pump if the ground water rises then the pump kicks in and moves the water away.
Might do a video if I get likes or reply’s on this comment
Hi Mark. I have a tiny oval shaped pond 110cm long edge x 20cm deep , formed with pond liner and surrounded with natural stone but it just gets full of that horrible string algae which forms into a nasty net of death. What can i do without adding chemicals. Make the pond bigger to stop the string algae, or use alternative materials?
Multi Clear is an enzyme and mineral based product. Blanket weed is not bad it’s Mother Nature using the nutrients available. Grow more plants, provide more surface area for bacteria to live, biological filtration.
16:59 - Is that some kind of adhesive you're using there? Thanks.
Waterfall foam th-cam.com/video/bLvBnVYg54s/w-d-xo.html
Beautiful work. If planted appropriately, can a pond like this typically develop a balanced ecosystem without filtration? We will not be keeping fish but would like a nice habitat for frogs. Crystal clear water is not a must but would prefer not to have a murky mess either. thanks!
Yes, still water wildlife ponds are reliant on you to be the mechanical filter and you can add beneficial bacteria and enough plants to help keep the water clean. The blown in debris is the stuff you want to keep an eye on. Picking out or netting out the gear. Get yourself a good net
Here’s a video about the different pond nets you can get.
th-cam.com/video/jbWOowPZvdY/w-d-xo.html
Thanks!
Total novis here confused with all the different info. I have made a pond its is 1.5 x1 mtr it is a rigid pond shell. It's in a shady but light area if that makes sense. Do I put anything In the bottom gravel etc. And what plants would you recommend for my small pond and how many please. Thankyou for your time😊
welcome, shade loving plants (look for interesting green foliage), i shot a video on this pond about buying plants link th-cam.com/video/2j93YzjVOXA/w-d-xo.html
Hi Pond Advisor! I need help. I love amphibians and I want to make a pond in my garden, but there are a lot of stray and domestic cats which visit my garden, as well as my own cats. Could I still have a frog/newt pond or will the cats kill them?
Yes some cats will see these guys as a tasty meal. You can of course create a pond and lots of places for the amphibians to get out of the way.
Your not worried with the still water and mosquitoes? It is beautiful.
No the damsel flies and other aquatic insects will sort them out in the UK 🇬🇧
Hi Mark, what is that light colour thing you put in walls of the 18 IN section called?
Thanks for the question I am not sure I understand fully however. Pebble cover liner?
Hello. We've inherited a pond set within a very established garden. It's probably quite old. I don't really want to rebuild it, because the surroundings are quite nice, and the shallow waterfall runs under a concrete path. There are also lots of frogs and maybe other things in the pond, so I'm reluctant to drain it.
I was wondering if you have any tips on (or could even do a video about) small improvements that could be made to an existing pond. In particular, I'm wondering if there are any submerged or floating pond plants I could easily add that would be beneficial to wildlife? Also, I'm guessing that frogs, etc, don't have issues with the sides of the pond but they are quite steep. Do you have any tips on how to improve this without remodelling the pond a lot?
Thanks!
th-cam.com/video/sJTZJLZx6v0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ANoa8eoBWIs7dfJK
I would add floating islands
waterfeature.shop/search?q=floating+pond+planter&_pos=1&_psq=floating&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Can we have an update please? I would love to see it now. I'm going to build one but mum is worried about it going all green (we have a dog and we don't want him to get ill).
Not been back due to covid, I hope to go back soon, but if nothing needs doing it’s not necessary, only to video if enough people want it I will.
Mark what are you using to fix the rocks in place
th-cam.com/video/bLvBnVYg54s/w-d-xo.html
What's in the gun that he keerps using when setting up the rocks and bits of wood, is it foam?
th-cam.com/video/bLvBnVYg54s/w-d-xo.htmlsi=UEHZ2AYSofXCYXCN
So no pump necessary then?,I’m about to install a small preformed pond and I’m not sure if I need one.
If it’s for aquatic wildlife (insects) then no pump is better than a pump sucking up the (insects), you can have a pump in a wildlife pond but you must install an intake so the suction is not strong.
Yes you can have a pond without a pump, however if you want a fish pond, ecosystem pond or koi pool you will need a pump! Big question are you going to be feeding the fish? Do you want to do less maintenance than a still water wildlife pond that with fill with waste over time.
For lining the pool, is that an underlay (white fleece), pool liner, and then black fleece on top of the pool liner?
Yes 👍🏻
The black I prefer on top of the liner if you have areas uncovered then it’s not seen as easy.
Hi new pond builder here can you tell me what underlay, liner , overlay etc you used please ?
waterfeature.shop/search?q=Liner+
That’s were I’ve gone wrong I dropped the plants in those mesh baskets nr the centre. The plants I chose are too big for a small pond. They’re dominating it. I have a dwarf water lily whole planting bucket now 😒
nice love dwarf lilies, this pond was not in full sun however
Hi Mark, what overlay did you use?
Aquascape
Hi Mark, iam going to replace my pond with a new one (just moved into this house) what liner should I use There so many different types and Iam totally baffled by it all
1mm EPDM
waterfeature.shop/products/aquascape-uk-stream-and-pond-liner-12-x-15
What's the beige fabric you used? Fleece? I want to make a small pond just like this.
Yes underlay (fish safe)