Wild ponds are full of high activity. All types of species are drawn to them from dragonflies and pond skaters, to frogs, turtles and sometimes even the occasional fox. Natural ponds are some of the most important aspects of the conservation of our wildlife, both animal and plant. Wild ponds are disappearing at a truly alarming rate and as they disappear forever they are taking the animals and plants that depend on them for their survival with them. Animals are having to turn to other man made watering holes but unfortunately, these watering holes are just not safe for the animals.
Because the animals have to come closer to human kind for their water they are stumbling onto chemical dumps or drainage and sewage runoff ditches. Because these animals are getting foreign poisonous substances in their bodies by drinking from these places, the species are slowly diminishing. This does not even count the thousands of species that are buried alive when it is decided it is cheaper to fill a pond in rather than build a bridge over it for the new freeway.
Pond keepers have discovered that this shortage has increased the amount of wildlife that visit their ponds and many have adapted old ponds or built new ones to mimic a natural pond to encourage the wildlife even more. These mini eco systems have proved a hit not only with the wildlife but with the pond keepers as well. They provide lots of interest and bring tranquility to a garden.
The Designing And Maintaining
Even a small natural pond will be valuable to wildlife but you should build as large as you can. If possible it should be sited in a spot that receives plenty of sun but also has some shade. It should have a sloping bottom so their are variations in depth and it should be irregular in shape. You should protect the pond liner with a good layer of sand both under it and on the top. You can fill your pond with tap water as it will soon clear naturally. Plants will soon start to grow but remove weeds. The pond should be 70% clear.
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.
