UK Wildlife

Garden Wildlife Pond Creation

Garden wildlife ponds support amphibians, aquatic invertebrates, birds, and mammals, with even small ponds making a significant welfare and conservation contribution in urban and suburban areas.

Key Facts

Garden ponds are one of the best single actions for wildlife welfare in gardens
A single garden pond can support frogs, toads, newts, dragonflies, and birds drinking
Ponds with sloping sides allow easy access and exit for animals including hedgehogs
Avoid adding fish as they predate amphibian spawn and invertebrates
UK has lost 70% of ponds in the countryside making garden ponds increasingly important

Welfare Considerations

Garden pond creation is one of the most impactful individual wildlife welfare actions available. Even a small pond supports diverse wildlife including amphibians, invertebrates, and drinking/bathing birds and mammals. Connecting ponds through garden corridors multiplies the wildlife benefit.

What You Can Do

Create a wildlife pond in your garden following guidance from The Wildlife Trusts
Add native aquatic plants and avoid goldfish to maintain wildlife value
Connect your pond habitat to surrounding vegetation to allow wildlife access