Planning for Ponds

To support amphibians (frogs, newts), damselflies, & aquatic plants, our goal is to create a small pond network

Key design points:

• 3 - 4 Ponds: With 50 to 100 m separation

• Surface area variety: From 10m² to 100m² with larger ones potentially attracting mammals too

• Depth variety: shallow margins (~10–30 cm) for emergent plants and amphibian spawning; deeper zones (~60 cm to 80cm) for water retention through dry periods.

• Vegetation: native emergent species, floating mats, and marginal reeds.

• Fish-free: crucial—predatory fish wipe out amphibians.

• Connectivity: short overland paths (logs, hedgerows) to link ponds; helps amphibians disperse.

• Water chemistry: avoid nutrient inflow (agricultural runoff), aim for soft water for oligotrophic species like Aldrovanda.

• Use local clay for impermeable base if needed