 Native
Ponds
WILDLIFE & NATURAL PONDS
Wildlife and nature pools have become increasingly popular
as we all become more aware of the environment around us and want to encourage
wildlife into the garden. These ponds are not only truly beautiful, and very
educational for children but you will also be helping the eco system of your
whole garden... Did you know having a pool encourages frogs and toads, which eat
slugs! You will also be visited by more birds and wildlife some you may not have
seen before.
To ensure a good balance in these pools you will need to
ensure ample planting areas are built into the pool to support plants which in
time will cover up to two thirds of the pool’s surface area. Although these
ponds will support some fish stocks, it is important to avoid fish such as Koi
and Orfe. Fish should also be introduced very gradually as the plants grow and
mature.
Over a period of time, as the new plants mature and, along
with naturally occurring helpful bacteria, which absorb and digest any toxins
left by fish and rotting organic waste, the pool will begin to balance and the
water to clear. It must be remembered that this could take up to eighteen months
to achieve. However the end result can be magnificent, attracting a host of
wildlife along with a splendid display of aquatic plants.
Usually these ponds do not require full filtration as
described on the next page, however they will benefit from being circulated by a
pump to maintain oxygen levels. This assists in the maintenance of a healthy
balance of helpful bacteria and avoids the water becoming stagnant.
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Native Fish |
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Rudd
A very active fish with red tipped fins. Will do best in larger wildlife
ponds as they can breed quickly. Due to their active nature they can
unsettle fish such as Koi if not given enough room. |
Tench
Great bottom feeders, being green in colour and rarely seen. They play
an important part in a pond’s ecosystem by foraging through the debris.
Requires well planted ponds with plenty of cover. |
Roach
A good native fish for the wildlife pond growing to an average length of
20 cm. Capable of rapid breeding, the male fish can be identified by
white spots in the spring. Should really only be kept in a sizable pond. |
Minnow
A fish growing up to 10cms. Ideal in small ponds. Will not uproot
plants. Mid water insect feeder. Does best in shoals of 6 or more.
Breeds rapidly where larger fish aren’t eating its eggs. Ideal
substitute for Orfe in a small pond. |
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Native Plants |
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Aponogeton
Distachyum
Water Hawthorn, deep water plant |
Ceratophyllum Demersum
Hornwort, deep water oxygenator |
Hottonia
Palustris
Water Violet, marginal or deep water plant |
Caltha
Palustris
Marsh Marigold, marginal plant |
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