How to build a wildlife pond (Step-by-step guide for a nature-friendly garden)

[@yemayalee-hewitt3748]

Ahh haha what fun this was to film. Thanks for having us along for the build! New presenting skills unlocked?

[@wwtorguk]

No doubt!

[@andres2202]

Hi! I´m from Argentina and I want to make a pond in my garden, but mosquitos are a big problem here. What do you recomend to avoid mosquito larvae in the pond? I was thinking about fish, but you don´t recommed to do it. What do you think? Many thanks!

[@wwtorguk]

Hey thanks for asking, in the UK we don't struggle with mosquitos (or large numbers of insects generally, in fact the opposite is true) so fish in a small pond like this can easily upset the balance. However if in other climates there are lots of insects available as a food source, then native, small fish species would be an ideal control method. But that might mean that other wildlife, such as amphibians, aren't able to use the habitat you created fully. It all hinges on what species you're happy with visiting your garden.

[@lalagamma4452]

Great info my only issue is where I live they won't let me have the ponds because of mosquitoes. 😢Quote: “Simple blessings are all around us. Once we receive them with thanksgiving and appreciation, we experience true joy.” -Krystal Kuehn. Huge HUGS and Peace. Namesta 🕉️🐞☯️ video shared ❤

[@wwtorguk]

Hey @lalagamma4452, not to rub it in but here in the UK mosquitoes aren't too much of an issue, hence we haven't mentioned them in the video. From what we understand though mosquitoes are normally most prevalent when water gets a bit stagnant. To help combat that make sure you use plenty of oxygenating plants (as a bonus these will provide plenty of safe spaces for insect life) or if that's still not enough, you might want to look into getting a small pump to keep the water moving. Hope this helps!

[@lalagamma4452]

I'm totally impressed that you responded so quickly and included suggestions. I'm so excited to ask management if I can create a space 🐞💙🐞

[@leszekwolkowski9856]

lining the pond with plastic sheets is so 2010s and not as recycle-eco-friendly as lining the pond bottom with discarded teflon pans in an overlapping matrix. You also can use styrofoam but make sure to connect the pieces with PPFC, PFOS/PFAS, mercury or lead based epoxy in order to reinforce the structure so that future generations can enjoy nature for decades to come.

[@wwtorguk]

Thanks for the suggestions - some great tips on how to future-proof these sorts of builds. Any advice on the size of exclusion zone needed once installed? ☠

[@leszekwolkowski9856]

@@wwtorguk :D thanks for the laugh. Have a good one!