There’s nothing quite like the gentle hum of dragonflies and the croak of frogs to bring a garden to life. A wildlife-friendly pond can be a true oasis – not just for you to enjoy, but for birds, amphibians, insects and more. In this how-to guide, we’ll walk you through some of the best ways to design a pond that supports and encourages local biodiversity.
1. Start with a Natural Shape
Wildlife prefers natural, irregular shapes over formal, straight-edged designs. A pond with curves and a variety of depths creates more microhabitats, making it more inviting for different species. A shallow beach area is perfect for birds to bathe and frogs to hop in and out, while deeper spots provide cooler zones and protection for fish and amphibians.
2. Use a Reliable Pond Liner
A high-quality pond liner is essential for creating a lasting pond that doesn’t dry out or leak. At AquaLiners Direct, we recommend using a flexible EPDM liner – our full range is available here. Why EPDM? Because it’s UV-resistant, safe for wildlife, and easy to mould into the natural curves and slopes needed for a truly wildlife-friendly habitat.
Don’t forget! If you’re looking to encourage all walks of life to the pond – from frogs to birds and beyond – it’s best to add a second protective layer of matting on top of the liner. This can be ballasted down with soil, sand, or similar materials. Not only does this help create a more natural look, but it also reduces the risk of wildlife causing accidental punctures.
3. Add a Mix of Native Plants
Plants are key – both in and around the pond. They provide oxygen, shelter, and food. Here's a basic planting layout to consider:
- Marginals: Plant these in shallow water or on the pond edge (e.g. marsh marigold, purple loosestrife, water mint).
- Floating plants: Great for shade and algae control (e.g. frogbit, water soldier).
- Submerged oxygenators: Essential for clean, healthy water (e.g. hornwort, water crowfoot).
Stick to native species where possible – they’re more likely to thrive and support local wildlife.
4. Create Sloped Edges and Shelving
Wildlife needs gentle access in and out of the pond. Steep sides are difficult for frogs, hedgehogs and birds to navigate, so create shelves and slopes when digging. These can also be used to position marginal plants and add interest to the pond layout.
You can also use pebbles, logs and flat stones at the edge to create sunbathing spots for frogs and newts.
5. Let It Be (Mostly)
It can be tempting to keep the pond looking pristine, but a truly wildlife-friendly pond needs a bit of messiness. Let fallen leaves gather a little, allow plants to spread, and resist the urge to clean too thoroughly. Frogs, toads and insects rely on this organic matter for shelter and breeding.
That said, if algae becomes an issue or water becomes cloudy, a gentle cleaning and a rebalancing of plant life might be needed.
6. Skip the Fish (At Least at First)
While fish are a popular addition to garden ponds, they’re not always the best for wildlife. They can eat frogspawn and insect larvae and stir up sediment, making the water less suitable for delicate plants and creatures. If your main goal is supporting frogs, newts and invertebrates, consider going fish-free – at least until the ecosystem is well-established.
7. Build it, and they will come!
One of the best things about creating a wildlife-friendly pond is just how quickly nature responds. You might be surprised how fast the locals move in – frogs and newts often find new ponds within a matter of days or weeks, especially during the breeding season in spring. Dragonflies and damselflies will soon be zipping across the surface, while birds and hedgehogs stop by for a drink or a dip.
In fact, a well-designed garden pond can support over 50 different species of wildlife, from insects and amphibians to birds and mammals – and that’s without counting the countless microorganisms and aquatic plants that help form a thriving ecosystem.
So if you’re looking for a way to bring your garden to life, attract pollinators, and support the local environment, building a pond might just be the most rewarding weekend project you’ll ever take on.
Ready to Build Your Wildlife Haven?
We stock a wide range of pond liners, underlays and accessories to help you build the perfect wildlife-friendly pond. Whether it’s a small corner pool or a large naturalistic feature, we’re here to help make it watertight, safe and long-lasting.
Have a question or need help calculating liner size? Get in touch with our team – we’re always happy to offer advice.
