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Be wise about water…
Water worries:
Ponds can be filled with
tap-water that has been treated first. Tap-
water contains chlorine or chloramines,
both of which are harmful to amphibians.
Chlorine will naturally dissipate over time but
chloramines need to be removed (inexpensive
products are available). Topping ponds up
during the summer is also generally fine,
though be aware that extreme changes of
water temperature can ‘shock’ animals if
added in large amounts at once. Ideally,
consider a water butt nearby or even run
roof drainage directly into the pond. Don’t
be overly concerned about evaporation in
hot weather - in most years the pond will top
itself up naturally during the winter.
Chemical concerns:
In some cases ponds
may collect run-off during heavy rain. In most
places this is not a problem, but be wary
of nearby sources of pollution (e.g. garden
fertilisers, crop run-off). ‘Natural’ and ‘bio
active’ pond treatments are an option.
Filters and pumps:
These aerate and clean
the water, which is more of a necessity for
those with ornamental fish. For wildlife,
filters and pumps aren’t necessarily useful:
their ‘vacuum’ action can kill phytoplankton
and zooplankton, which can affect animals
further up the foodchain. Carefully chosen
plants can be very effective in keeping your
water clean (see Pond Plants, page 12).
making your wildlife pond
10
Sam Taylor
Tub-ponds: ponds
for anywhere
Ponds for wildlife don’t
necessarily need to be big.
Smaller ones can still benefit
amphibians as places to cool
off in summer, plus many
other animals can use them as
a pit-stop.
Just remember that animals
will need to get in (particularly
frogs) and out of the pond
(froglets!). Ensure at all times
that there are sloping sides,
using pebbles, log-piles and
planted areas.