According to research by the Wildlife Trust, there are around 500,000 ponds in public places in Britain today, plus an amazing three million garden ponds. Some natural ponds are believed to be around 14,000 years old. Known as pingos, they were created when trapped water that had frozen and expanded eventually melted, leaving a water-filled depression in the ground.
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The largest concentration of ancient pingos in the UK is in Breckland, East Anglia. Aside from these, many ponds are artificial, some having been dug initially to provide water for livestock. Working horses could also be washed there after toiling in the fields. Other ponds formed naturally in bomb craters after World War II.
Lockdown impact on ponds
More and more of us created garden ponds during the Covid-19 lockdown, according to the British Dragonfly Society, which launched its Pondwatch initiative in 2020.
The campaign asked members of the public if they already had a pond, or if they were creating one. The organisation reported "high levels of construction activity", with many people building a garden pond as a lockdown project. Some flat dwellers had built a mini pond on their balcony!
Even a tiny pond or one that is just a metre long and half a metre deep can make all the difference to enhancing an outdoor area. The main reason cited was because people enjoyed going out to watch what was going on in their miniature water world.
The BDS said having a wildlife pond in the garden is the equivalent of having a TV in the lounge – it is a welcome diversion from the COVID crisis. There is always something different going on; from tiny tadpoles growing their legs, to majestic dragonflies emerging from the water.
Improving mental health
A garden pond has benefits for you, your garden and wildlife in general. It is well-documented that gardening can help lift your spirits and alleviate depression.
The appearance of the pond and the sound of water gently lapping are renowned for being calming. As a natural source of stress relief, you may find yourself spending more time outdoors if you have a pond as a centrepiece. It's also a great way of engaging children, showing them the importance and beauty of nature and teaching them how to take care of their environment.
What makes a good pond?
If you're a newcomer to pond building, do your research to see how to start and what you should include. Don’t go too big! Creating a mini pond is a simpler option that still has plenty of benefits for wildlife.
You will need a plastic container - if you only have a balcony, a small container the size of a washing-up bowl will suffice. If you have a garden, choose a larger container to best fit your space.
Reusing plastic can have a positive impact on the environment and wildlife. You can buy a container made from recycled plastic, or use an existing container that you might already have in your house or shed. Alternatively, buy a high quality, brand new container that will literally last a lifetime.
You'll also need small stones; gravel; pebbles to act as stepping-stones for the wildlife; rocks and twigs that small creatures can rest on and an assortment of plants.
How to build a pond
First, find the right place. Ideally, it should be somewhere that gets some sunshine but that isn't in bright sunlight all day. Place your container either on the surface, or dig it into the ground. The latter is better for the wildlife, as it's easier for them to get in and out, but if you can't dig a hole, on the surface is okay.
Wherever you’ve positioned your pond, make sure the creatures can access it by creating stepping stones, or ladders made of stones, sticks, wood, or tiles. Prepare your container by putting some gravel in the bottom.
Now it’s time to fill your pond. It is better to use rainwater that has collected in a water butt or watering can if possible. If you use tap water, leave it standing for 24 hours, as this lets chlorine evaporate. Add the aquatic plants - just a couple will suffice, depending on the size. A good one is submerged pondweed to help keep the water clear.
Use aquatic plants such as whorled water-milfoil and rigid hornwort, which are oxygenating plants. Buy them from specialist pond suppliers, or online. It's important not to add plants that will grow too big for the available space. Other appropriate choices include lesser spearwort, miniature waterlily and flowering rush.
Miniature ecosystem
Once you have created your little oasis, simply sit back and wait for it to develop its own mini ecosystem, with the plants and wildlife keeping the water clear. You don't need to introduce frogs, tadpoles, or even water from another pond - just let nature do its job!
Always keep your pond topped up with water - especially in windy or hot weather. The water level shouldn’t drop, as this would be detrimental to the wellbeing of the ecosystem.
By reusing plastic, this will have a positive impact on the environment and wildlife. We all read about how single-use plastics are damaging the environment. Building a pond is a good example of how using high-quality plastic storage boxes and recycling is doing something positive for the planet.