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Autumn:
Ponds are quieter in autumn. Most
animals have reproduced and moved on
or died off. A few species have moved
back into the pond ready to see out
winter (like frogs).
Plants
have died back,
leaving their seeds for the following year.
If necessary, look at re-stocking native
plants as this will help ensure there is
plenty of oxygen in the water over the
winter.
This is the best time of year to give the
pond a
clear-out
, since the least number
of species will be affected. Be wary of
removing too much of the
silt
on the
bottom of the pond - it contains
eggs,
grubs
and other
insect larvae
(see page
20).
Falling leaves
in large numbers could
clog up ponds and cause a nutrient
overload in autumn. This can lead to
algal blooms in spring. Steer clear from
using
pond-netting
though, sometimes
the animals you’re trying to attract (like
grass snakes
or hedgehogs) can become
caught and die. The best solution is to
try and get out there daily to take some
of the leaves out with a net. Alternatively
consider
cutting back nearby trees
.
You could use the off-cuts to create a log
pile (see page 26).
Winter:
Ponds are largely silent in winter,
with little plant growth and almost no
movement from the depths.
Common
frogs
are the only larger animal that
might be visible. Male frogs lie dormant
on the bottom of the pond and on sunnier
days you might see them occasionally stir.
The biggest threat to pond animals in
winter comes from ice.
Prolonged
freezing
stops gases from moving in
and out of the pond, leaving the water
susceptible to a build-up of toxic gases
and chemicals released as animal and
plant matter continues to decompose.
This can seriously damage the pond
ecosystem, affecting a number of animals
(not least frogs, which can die of so-called
‘
winterkill
’
). To avoid this, remember
to
clear fallen snow from the ice
,
this means light will still be able to reach
plants in the water so they can continue
making oxygen. If you are able to, you
could also
make holes in the ice
during
frosty weather. Do this by leaving a
pan
of hot water
on the ice surface to melt
a circular hole. Alternatively leave a
ball floating
in the water the previous
day, and remove this once the pond has
iced over. Never use salt, antifreeze or
chemicals. Don’t be tempted to smash the
ice either, the shock-waves can kill wildlife
and ice shards could puncture the liner.
It’s important to remember that in severe
winters, despite your best efforts, frog
deaths are almost unavoidable.
Looking after your wildlife pond
18