Creating Natural Ponds Helps The Environment

By: Kip Fynn

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.

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 Designing And Maintaining

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.

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.

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Kipp Flynn has been building ponds all his life. He was using terms like eco friendly way before they became popular. Click to learn more about natural ponds or here for general build a pond advice
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