Creating your own small natural pond is quite easy and you will have a wonderful world of wildlife to visit.
Experts give advice on how to:
1) Chris Bonnet of GardeningExpress.co.uk says: "Start by finding or purchasing a large container to hold the water your pond needs." “It could be a special garden center shape, or an old sink, or a dishwasher, or a planter. However, it needs to be strong enough to withstand being outside all year round, especially in hard freezing conditions.”
2) "Once the pot is up, it's time to dig a hole big enough for the pot to be flush with the soil," says Chris. "The leveling of the ship will allow the entry and exit of various animals. However, those who want a raised pond can add plants, bricks and rocks to the edges to act as footprints for wildlife.
3) "Then fill your pond." The RSPB Group says: "Tap water has a lot of chemicals that are not good for the pond, so use rainwater if possible."
4) “It is then ready for planting,” continues the RSPB. "It is better to plant the plants on the sides of the net in special pots and use a very low nutrient soil mixed with sand. For a small pond, use only two or three plants, otherwise it will be overcrowded.
5) "The diving duck is important for keeping ponds clean," advises the RSPB. "And he always uses local plants in the well," they added. A durable horn and sprinkler is recommended for the UK. “You can buy them from garden centers or specialist pond suppliers. It is a good idea to include native edge plants that sprout from the surface around edges to provide cover for perch and wildlife. Be careful to only use plants that are not too large for such a small space. Don't forget water, try low grasses and plants like marsh daffodils.
6) Make sure you provide an easy way for the animals to get in and out of the pond. Use bricks, stones or logs, says the RSPB. "Think. "If I were a hedgehog, could I get out of here?" - they add.
