Attracting Garden Wildlife

Everybody loves a garden pond, but you need a big garden, right? Well no you do not actually.

Any waterproof container will suffice to include a pond in your garden. We made one last year and have attracted frogs, newts, dragonflies, water boatmen and aquatic snails amongst others.

Here’s how to do it yourself.

Acquire a sturdy waterproof container. A large bucket or plant pot is ideal. We got ours from a DIY shop, a large plastic planter for £16.

You will also need some wire mesh to cover the pond and some bricks, gravel, and oxygenating plants to go inside. Some bulbs, seeds or plants for the pond perimeter too.

It’s also a good idea to collect rainwater over a few weeks to go in. Pretty easy in this country!

Tools wise a spade, trowel, spirit level and pliers.

Once you have decided your location (part sun part shade is ideal), give the area some good soakings from a few days before to make digging easier, then follow these steps:

Step 1 – mark out the pond area

Using the upturned container as a guide mark out the circumference of the pond area. This should be 10-30cm wider than the pond itself to allow the area to be planted up.

Step 2 – dig your hole

Step 3 – place your container in the hole

You should aim to have the bottom of the container in touch with the ground. Make sure it’s level and then fill in any gaps with the soil & stones you just removed and add some gravel to the bottom.

Dig out the perimeter area now for later planting.

Stage 4 – fill your container

Start by stacking your bricks to a sufficient height that will enable amphibians to climb in and out.

You can now place your plants in, following instructions regarding the depth they should be placed. Finally pour in your rainwater, topping up as necessary from the tap.

Step 5 – cover the pond with mesh

Finally, cover the pond with mesh or chicken wire. This will stop leaves from getting in and also make it more difficult for predators to stick their paws in.

You should then snip a hole in the wire with the pliers so that frogs can get in and out.

Plant up the perimeter with plants. Colourful alpines are a great choice. Sow some bulbs and seeds that will produce pollinator attracting flowers in the spring & summer.

The flora will provide natural shelter that frogs & toads will love.