When it comes to looking after pond animals, there are various aspects to look out for and take care of. It can be a rewarding experience having a pond in the garden, and there are even ways to have pond wildlife enjoy the water if you have a small space, a balcony, on an allotment, or in a community garden. Here are some ways to encourage pond animals to your garden and how to look after them once they are there.
Looking after pond animals in a small space
An easy way to encourage pond creatures in any size space is to build a straightforward pond bucket. All you need to do is ensure there are no holes or plenty of stones from bottom to top so creatures can get in and out. Some plants such as oxygenators that keep the water clear, marginal plants where creatures can hide, and some way they can get in and out from outside of the pond bucket so other pots and plants around the bucket. You can also be creative and use any appropriate container, just like a butler sink with the plug hole blocked up.
A large pond helps when looking after pond animals
If you have the room, you can build a large pond can as a pond purely for wildlife or a Koi Carp pond. It really is your choice. Of course, both will help wildlife, but they do need to be cared for differently. It can be amazing to watch new wildlife from frogs and toads to newts and snails find your pond. Finding frogspawn in the spring is always a joy. A larger pond does give you more planting options and can be built with a ready-made pond to sink into a hole or a pond liner that can be moulded to fit your desired shape. You may need a pump and filter, or you may want to light things up at night. If you have fish, you will need food and protection from predators. One thing is for sure, though, you'll need plants to help your pond animals feed, shelter, and thrive.
Looking after pond animals on an allotment
A great way to encourage biodiversity on an allotment plot is to build a wildlife pond. Don't forget toads eat slugs! You might even find a bird taking a bath or a newt enjoying the sun. Make sure it is well sheltered, has some plants around the edges for homes, and perhaps even make a toad home out of a broken terracotta pot. Just like with any other wildlife pond, you'll need a range of plants to keep it healthy, ensure it's not under a tree, so it doesn't get filled with leaves and enjoy watching new wildlife come along.
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