RHS How to Create a Wildlife Pond

Synopsis

If you want to do your bit to support local biodiversity, start your own wildlife pond in your back garden.

Whether you are looking to do something to help the environment, building a feature pond as a family landscaping project, or attracting local wildlife to your garden; a wildlife pond is a perfect addition to your gardening efforts.

Learn everything there is to know about wildlife ponds with:

- Photographic and illustrative step-by-step guides on planning, creating, and maintaining your pond
- A variety of pond types covered, including natural-style ponds, container ponds, and more traditional, formal-style ponds that still attract wildlife
- What to expect throughout the seasons, the creatures that will visit, and the aquatic plants that will thrive
- Tips on what to look out for in your pond, encouraging a natural eco-system, and how to maintain your newly built pond throughout the year

Find out everything you'll need to know to create a natural sanctuary in your garden! This book shows you how to create a backyard pond without filters, pipes, and chemicals, and how to attract and support local species. RHS How to Create a Wildlife Pond provides easy-to-follow steps on how to dig your own pond line, advice on which pond plants to choose from, and how to make sure local wildlife can enjoy your pond safely.

This book will also give you advice on how to take care of your newly built water feature so that you're able to enjoy the local animals, insects and birds for years to come. You can expect to see blackbirds bathing in your pond, hedgehogs using it as a water source, and bats flying over at night to catch insects. This wonderful book is filled with photographs and illustrations that will make planning and creating your own pond a therapeutic and fulfilling experience!

Complete the Series:
There are so many ways for you to enjoy your garden! If you're looking for tips on environmental changes and landscaping ideas, DK books have even more gardening guides and projects for you to explore. Discover RHS How to Garden the Low Carbon Way, or bring even more feathered friends to your garden with How to Attract Birds to Your Garden.

Summary

This book explores the idea of creating a wildlife pond. It provides a step-by-step guide on how to build a pond that can be enjoyed by wildlife and people alike. The book covers the research process, material selection, construction methods, aquatic plants and animals, and long-term maintenance of the pond.

Chapter 1: Researching Ponds: The first step in creating a wildlife pond is researching what type of pond would best suit the goal environment. This chapter covers the basics of pond basics, such as size, shape, depth, location and recommended plants. In addition, information on local ponds, weather conditions, construction materials, and other pond needs is discussed.

Chapter 2: Selecting Materials: After deciding what type of pond to build, the next step is to select the appropriate materials. This chapter provides references for selecting the best stone and other materials for the pond as well as the necessary tools for pond construction.

Chapter 3: Constructing the Pond: Once the materials have been purchased, it is time to start building the pond. This chapter outlines the steps for constructing a pond, form creating the foundation, to installing the stones, to planting the aquatic plants. It also discusses the steps for installing a filter and liner to keep the pond clean and healthy.

Chapter 4: Aquatic Life: This chapter explains the steps for filling the pond with fish, plants, and other animals. It also discusses tank-feeding and how to attract birds, mammals, and insects to the pond.

Chapter 5: Long-term Maintenance: To keep the pond healthy, it is important to provide regular maintenance. This chapter discusses the best practices for maintaining the pond, such maintenance removing debris and maintaining water flow.

Chapter 6: Safety and Enjoyment of Wildlife Ponds: This chapter provides guidance on how to make sure the pond is safe for both people and animals. This includes rules for the pond's use, such excluding certain items from the pond, and making sure the pond is secure from predators.

By following the steps in this book, you can create a wildlife pond that can be enjoyed by everyone. You will be able to provide the necessary habitat for wildlife. You will also have the enjoyment of seeing the pond transform and evolve over time as plants, animals, and people all come together to inhabit its waters.