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Creating a mini wildlife pond

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ComeOnGran Wed 09-Jul-25 16:59:52

I’m going to create a wildlife mini pond in our garden. Does anyone have any good tips or advice please? In particular about the sort of container you can use - DH wants to use what he calls a dolly-tub (washing up bowl) but should you avoid certain plastics or anything like that? Or is it better to use pond liner? Thanks for any advice you can offer.

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Sarnia Wed 09-Jul-25 17:06:52

We have one in our garden. My SIL bought a large water butt stand from B&Q. He dug a hole and put the stand in upside down with the rim level with the grass. We didn't line it. He fills it with rainwater whenever possible. It is big enough for a few water plants and rocks. We had frog spawn last year but not this, sadly. We have a couple of frogs we spot every now and again. We have let the wildflowers grow up around it.

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Shinamae Wed 09-Jul-25 17:19:29
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This is mine. I’ve had it for about five years now at the moment it is fair overgrown with the lilies which is actually a sign that the pond is very healthy..
The lilies are due to be cut back tomorrow, along with the rest of my garden which has gone mental because of all the rain then all the Sun 😎😎
It is quite small about 7 foot long and 4 foot wide…
Also, I have never used a pump in it even though the local aquatic centre said I should (maybe they wanted to sell me one 😂)and my pond is very very healthy..

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Shinamae Wed 09-Jul-25 17:20:59

Shinamae

This is mine. I’ve had it for about five years now at the moment it is fair overgrown with the lilies which is actually a sign that the pond is very healthy..
The lilies are due to be cut back tomorrow, along with the rest of my garden which has gone mental because of all the rain then all the Sun 😎😎
It is quite small about 7 foot long and 4 foot wide…
Also, I have never used a pump in it even though the local aquatic centre said I should (maybe they wanted to sell me one 😂)and my pond is very very healthy..

PS, it is a preformed pond with no nasties in it.. or so I was led to believe

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ComeOnGran Wed 09-Jul-25 17:30:25

Thanks Sarnia - just had a look at water butt stands. Ingenious idea! I think there’s not been so much frogspawn this year (from what I’ve heard).

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ComeOnGran Wed 09-Jul-25 17:32:17

That’s a beautiful pond! Looks gorgeous. Mine will need to be smaller, but I love what you’ve done there.

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Mancjules Wed 09-Jul-25 21:34:30

Make sure its not in full sun and has pebbles/stones in and around for wild things to hide under/clamber out.

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Allira Wed 09-Jul-25 22:26:19

Mancjules

Make sure its not in full sun and has pebbles/stones in and around for wild things to hide under/clamber out.

Yes, I was going to suggest this,
It's essential to have sloping sides and pebbles around the edge so wildlife can climb out.

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