A wild pond for the garden.
Ponds are important for a large number of wildlife plants and flowers. Besides extending the habitat for freshwater wildlife, ponds can offer enjoyment and education in learning about wildlife and their life cycles.
Familiar insects and small wildlife, such as damselflies, frogs and newts will be attracted to the pond as well as some of the lesser-known water bugs and insects, many of which have strange and interesting characteristics and habits to discover.
Larger mammals will visit the garden more often, when they know there is a regular water source, plus many tasty treats to tempt them. Birds will also visit for food, water and bathtime!
A wildlife pond doesn't need to be big - it can be small and shallow, as long as it has sloping sides to assist access and exit. The shallow edges allow birds to bathe and hedghogs and other small mammals can visit safely for a drink of water.
A few logs beside the pond, or perhaps even a rockery with some plants, provide homes and protection for newts and other creatures who live in and around the pond. Wildlife plants such as the yellow lilies in the image, and lily pads, add to the beauty of the pond as well as to the diversity of habitats provided by it.
Reasons for establishing a garden pond and further information is available via The Wildlife Trusts. More on small garden ponds later.
For the #30dayswild post in 2016, Nature Challenge : Spotlight Wild Ponds, click here.
Ponds are important for a large number of wildlife plants and flowers. Besides extending the habitat for freshwater wildlife, ponds can offer enjoyment and education in learning about wildlife and their life cycles.
Familiar insects and small wildlife, such as damselflies, frogs and newts will be attracted to the pond as well as some of the lesser-known water bugs and insects, many of which have strange and interesting characteristics and habits to discover.
Larger mammals will visit the garden more often, when they know there is a regular water source, plus many tasty treats to tempt them. Birds will also visit for food, water and bathtime!
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| Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve small pond |
A wildlife pond doesn't need to be big - it can be small and shallow, as long as it has sloping sides to assist access and exit. The shallow edges allow birds to bathe and hedghogs and other small mammals can visit safely for a drink of water.
A few logs beside the pond, or perhaps even a rockery with some plants, provide homes and protection for newts and other creatures who live in and around the pond. Wildlife plants such as the yellow lilies in the image, and lily pads, add to the beauty of the pond as well as to the diversity of habitats provided by it.
Reasons for establishing a garden pond and further information is available via The Wildlife Trusts. More on small garden ponds later.
For the #30dayswild post in 2016, Nature Challenge : Spotlight Wild Ponds, click here.