The value of pond life

I recently came across a family of little frogs in our garden and it struck me that it can be so easy to provide for our water or aquatic wildlife, even if you don't have much space.  We focus so much (and rightly so!) on our pollinating insects such as bees and making sure we have enough flowers and greenery in our garden, but there is a lot we can also do for creatures and insects that live in and around water.

Ponds can be natural features of the landscape, but lots of people also build ponds into their gardens as part of the landscaping or aesthetic of their garden, or even to have the calming sound of water trickling down through a water feature.  Ponds can be as small as one meter across, or as large as a football pitch! They can support many freshwater species such a frogs, toads, mayflies, damselflies, pondweed, newts, and much more.  Sadly around 50% of ponds were lost in the UK during the 20th century and 80% of those that remain are in a poor state.  Around two thirds of freshwater species are supported by ponds so they are a vitally important ecosystem.

Creating your own garden pond is a great idea because it will be small and you can therefore keep an eye on it and manage it easily.  Natural ponds may be affected by farming run off and pollution, but you can keep your own pond clean and free of any unwanted chemicals.  Plus, having tadpoles and newts can make a great science investigation as you watch them grow! 

To find out more about ponds, click on the links below:

🐸 Importance of ponds - Freshwater Habitats Trust

🐸 How to build a pond - Wildlife Trusts

🐸 Supporting your pond - RSPB