How To Maintain a WILDLIFE POND in Autumn & Winter

[@philiphardwick1645]

If you keep a ball in the pond overnight when it’s freezing, you can squeeze that free in the morning and leave at least a small area of open water. The birds here were in to it almost before I was back in the house

[@rowanwhite3520]

Great idea, thanks!

[@pussinboots1145]

I use an air pump to stop the ice forming.

[@erint5373]

Fantastic idea!

[@strangerkrissy1340]

I'm doing my dissertation on wildlife ponds this video was very helpful thank you!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You're very welcome! I've been creating wildlife ponds for circa 20 years now, and the upsurge I've seen in interest over the last 4-5 years has been incredible and so vital for so many creatures, as you no doubt know already. What a great subject for a dissertation and I'm really grateful that you've taken time out to let me know that this helped, welcome to the channel - best of luck and best wishes - Joel

[@JBNat]

This garden is magnificent, it's wild to see a garden that has almost completely been given over for wildlife. And so so cool to see the garden absolutely full of life behind you. All the birds enjoying it.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you JB - this client is certainly determined to create and share resources for the rewards the visitors bring every day. I really appreciate your positive comment, thank you - best wishes to you and yours, Joel

[@helenavansatur9209]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton may I ask which kind of liner is used with a brick pond please? I'm near Gog Magog hills cambs and in a council bungalow so can't have anything huge but it looks beautiful 😍

[@FlowerFarmerAmy]

So important to preserve the "dead/dying" plants which are habitats & food for critters.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Absolutely Amy, thank you - best wishes to you and yours for 2023 - Joel

[@Craig_Humphries]

Great to see you back again! Lovely garden pond in a smaller space :-)

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Craig - now the evenings are darker and the weather a lot colder it's giving me a chance to go through all those videos created and edit and upload them at last, there should be many coming in the next few weeks :) I really appreciate your support and encouragement - Best wishes, Joel

[@Tofog22000]

So much biodiversity in a small area in a big city, well done!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Certainly is - I absolutely can't wait to see your own oasis in person :) Best wishes - Joel

[@kathrynnorman2253]

Merry Christmas Joel, may 2023 bring you all the joy and happiness that you truly deserve 🎄⛄🦌

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Kathryn - you too, wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year - best wishes to you all, Joel

[@UkAmphibians]

Can’t wait for this one 🐸💚🐸

[@jordanadam4693]

What an amazing garden! I'm trying to do this on my allotment. Permaculture. Really want to encourage all wildlife and I'd love to see a video on what I could do in Yorkshire to have a diverse habit full of fruit, nuts, flowers, veggies, natural homes that encourages birds, hedgehogs, badges, fox's, shrews, voles, bats. There's plenty to share!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Jordan, thank you, this client certainly takes every opportunity possible to improve the garden for wildlife and sets such a wonderful example of how it can improve the gardener's life too :) Forgive me if you've seen it already and it probably will be a larger scale than you intend, but here's a video of a large area we did in Yorkshire: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mauYn5pveN5ggqs There are lots of videos on the channel, if you go to "videos" section then you will see them all there and hopefully there is some advice/tips to get you through until I'm able to make a video like you suggest :) Best wishes - Joel

[@kerryfirehorse]

Thanks for the inspiration. Finally bought the pond liner and going to crack on and get this thing made.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Kerry, so glad this was helpful to you - don't forget if you need any help/advice re plants etc then you can drop me a line at [e-mail] and if you're buying from us then I offer as much help as you need :) Best wishes, Joel

[@SisterDogmata]

Hey Joel! All those visiting birds reminded me of a Hitchcock film! Proves the point doesn't it. I've cut nothing back this year and to be honest it looks lovely and hopefully is providing habitats for everything that needs it. So many more birds visiting this year for our given food and the wild stuff. Great video. Our motto should be leave things alone! We can live in harmony with nature if we do. Best wishes.

[@ESO-ONE]

The Emperor protects.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Haha!

[@markhunter2244]

Great looking pond and the birds are obviously loving it, so many flying around the garden. I noticed a ball in one of the clips to stop the pond from fully freezing over, I’ve using floating logs to do the same job. Not sure if it’s good idea but does seem to be working so far ❄️☃️

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey Mark, that sounds like a great idea! If it works then why not? Might look better than tennis balls too! It was fantastic to be there when the birds were flying about, unfazed by me as they are used to Phil being out there regularly with his coffee, and of course they have that cover to "escape" to quickly if disturbed and feeling unsafe. Wishing you and yours a fantastic Christmas, best wishes - Joel

[@CheshireCat6639]

Watched the 1st vlog, its looking great now a little more established ,ty for sharing 🎉

[@fiona12451]

Super video 🐞🐛🐸💚 I am always left inspired to do more... Thank you!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Phiona, this means a lot - I really appreciate your encouragement and support, it makes the efforts worthwhile :) Best wishes, Joel

[@jaymurtagh]

Merry Christmas Joel, another great video. Beautiful wildlife oasis in an urban area. Loved the neighbour hanging out her clothes in the background lol. So many birds around that garden..fantastic

[@UkAmphibians]

Brilliant video joel what an amazing pond you built and loving the birds flying happily around you as you speak. Another amazing habitat built by Joel Ashton 🐸💚🐸

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you - your continued support and help really has made a difference to me. It was amazing that the birds are so used to Phil sitting by that pond that they weren't phased by me at all. Hope you're doing fine, keep adding to that brilliant channel of yours, it's helped me a lot - speak soon, best wishes - Joel

[@UkAmphibians]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thankyou joel I will do have a fantastic Christmas with your lovely family won’t you ? 🐸💚🐸

[@janiedunn637]

❤ the pond. All the wildlife must be amazing to watch right on your 🚪 step. Have a nice Christmas 🎄 with your family. My hubby & I are still positive with covid. Hopefully our 3rd test will be negative.

[@wildlifegardener-tracey6206]

Loving Phil’s pond, your right it looks incredible natural. You had some competition with the birds dropping in. Great to see how they go behind the trellis on the fence. Another safety feature there. Great pond and useful tips.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

It's a wonderful space Tracey and Phil keeps me regularly updated with his sightings - I can't wait to revisit and do the update video, there are so many images and a lot of footage showing evidence at just how important these habitats are :) Hope you and yours are keeping warm and looking forward to the Christmas break - best wishes to you all, Joel

[@naturescarpenter]

Hi Joel I'm getting your book for Christmas. Ready for a new year of wilderness 💚

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey Mark - thank you, so much! I know it will be really helpful to you, but you know where I am and how to reach me if there's anything additional you need. Can't wait to meet you in person and have a proper catch up about this year. Wishing you and yours a fantastic Christmas and wild New Year :) Best wishes, as always - Joel

[@naturescarpenter]

Yes we can meet up for sure I'll come and help you with a project. I'll be needed plants for sure next spring!! I've got a little more work to do on my new pond and I'll send you the full project.. Then you can let me know what plants I'll need. All the best to you all. Have a good one. Cheers!!

[@francismeowgannou5322]

Love your work! Thanks for the info.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you so much Francis, your constant support and encouragement makes a huge difference to me :) Best wishes, Joel

[@davidcobb8422]

Hi Joel Since you done my wildlife pond it's so great & relaxing to watch the birds in the pond . Another great video lot's of advice on dealing with the pond & plant's. Before the snow came a lot of the perennial wildflowers in the lawn were starting to pop up.👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

So good to hear this David - I must find time next year to come and do an update on the pond and that wonderful garden, you're certainly ensuring it is a haven for so many creatures desperately in need. Amazing re the wildflowers, I have seen a few doing this too :) Best wishes, as always - Joel

[@Arthur_My_Dear]

Hey Joel, what fantastic urban oasis this garden has become. Could you please link the video of the original build ? Thanks

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I did put a link at the end of the video to click on - but in case that didn't work or has changed, here's the direct link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/poC1Xoh4a66pfLs Hope this helps - best wishes, Joel

[@rowanwhite3520]

Love your ponds you create for wildlife! I get down to minus fifteen celsius in winter and was wondering if i need to break through the ice each day so wildlife can drink? Thanks

[@nofyou5182]

You can get a pond heater to keep a hole.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Rowan, yes indeed, but I wouldn't "break" it - if you use a saucepan of warm (not boiling) water around the edges this will thaw the more shallow water and provide that bathing that birds need to do in winter to keep in tip-top condition and of course provide drinking water that will be less available in the wider countryside :) Best wishes, Joel

[@katec9893]

Whwt a wonderful pond, great to see nature enjoying it and those exoskeletons are amazing!! Would you be able to put a list in the description of the plants you recommend for putting in the pond and the plants you recommend for growing around it? I've just installed a pond on my allotment and I'm researching how to plant it up. I have wildflower seeds, tansy seeds, sweet william seeds, cornflower seeds and other cottage garden flower seeds, would these be OK to sow around it? Thank you.

[@wildlifewithyash10m93]

Hi Joel 😊 👍 I have a pond 👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Great! Would love to see some photos Yash, do send some if you get a chance to [e-mail] :) Best wishes, as always - Joel

[@keithroberts42]

Beautiful pond, I seem to suffer from pond envy when I see your ponds. Nice to be reassured that I can leave it messy, when I get plenty of pressure to tidy up. I’ve noticed a lot less sparrows the last few months which is slightly concerning. Look forward to frog spawn season and keeping fingers crossed.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I too get that envy Keith, you're not alone! My garden pond is relatively small but it still helps a lot of wildlife. I've a healthy population of sparrows still, they love the cover that the overgrown buddleja provides and they are thronging the feeders at the moment, and although I'm not sure if it's the same Robin as last year, but I was watching him attempt to utilise the feeders too yesterday morning. I do scatter the seed on the floor too but it's the WYG bird seed so no waste and chance of rats/mice finding it, the pigeons and blackbirds hoover up any leftovers or spillage from the feeders. Hope you're keeping warm, looking forward to Spring for many reasons :) Best wishes, as always - Joel

[@filmakercrossley]

Caught up with your film... Ive just enjoyed your WILDLIFE POND in Autumn & Winter, it seems that I'm doing most things correctly. I'm working on my Nov. Dec. garden video, plenty of frost and light snow shots and the frozen ponds can stand my weight. Your bird seed is attracting the birds and they are consuming it at a fair rate of knots. Just waiting for a Christmas Day Shot perhaps to finish off the film.

[@spencersanderson1894]

Thank you for this advice, always try to leave a different patch of vegetation each year, like on a rotation. Great video as always Joel, hope you are well and wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

[@Tinks574]

Hi, I love this so much and would like to do this in my garden. We have clay soil and a significant amount of surface flooding. I hope we can redirect the surface flood water to feed the wild pond. Is this a sensible option? Any tips on how do direct the water to the pond? Would love to have you help us!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Tina, sorry for the delay, just trying to catch up with everyone. Is it possible to send a few photos of the area to me so that I can advise appropriately? Feel free to send photos/email to [e-mail] - best wishes, Joel

[@titiaswildlifecottagegarden]

Such an informative video and very pleasing on the eyes🥰 Phil's pond is truly my favourite pond you created 👌🏻🥰 It never is boring to look at that piece of art, whatever time of the year it is. A little while ago I emailed you for some questions and dillemas I'm having regarding creating a wildlife pond on pavement with loose sand underneath. Not a single video or website on the internet covers on what to do in this case, they always built a pond on existing grass or soil. And that can be sometimes frustrating. I have thought about a way to support the planting shelf, by using the existing pavement in the desired shape. One tile is placed flat for the shelf and one upright towards the outside. I hope this will give enough structure for the base of the pond, I'm curious what your thoughts would be.

[@DeiseRebel]

Hi Joel, really enjoy the channel, I recently created my own Wildlife pond from a big ceramic pot and it's something I get great joy from, I added a Marginal - Dichromena Colorata Rhynchospora (Star Grass) and there was some green type weed that came with it but it's blanketed the whole pond which I don't mind but is it good for my pond? Wish I could post a pic to show you more accurately as I'm unsure if the weed was part of the plant or scooped up in the water when I was buying it from the garden centre.

[@jccreations6333]

Lovely pond looks amazing.i have a question hopefully you can answer me I have a 700 liter stock tank pond it's full of aquatic plants lilies horse tail reed papyrus black magic elephant ears elodea parrots feather and so on i haven't change the water in a year it has a filter and the plants the water is pretty clear should I do a water change?also the walls are cover with a fine green algae should I scrub it of or should I just keep topping it of?thank you keep up the awesome work and thank you for the informative videos

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there! My apologies that I've not been able to answer you sooner but I am just trying to get to everyone when I can :) I wouldn't worry about the water-change in the stock tank unless it is getting really overgrown of course and then you can thin some out, but if the water is clear the plants will be happy :) Unless it is encroaching into the rest of the tank I wouldn't worry about the algae either as there will be some creatures that are really grateful for it, even tadpoles appreciate a certain amount of blanket weed when they are young :) I hope this is helpful, apologies again for the delay - best wishes, Joel

[@jccreations6333]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thank you for the information it helps me alot keep up the awesome work

[@maryg5851]

Another fantastic video, thank you Joel 😊 I'd really appreciate any advice you may have for maintenance of a Barrel pond over the next few months? My instinct was to leave it but it's looking quite full with wintering plants. After watching this, I will be clearing some of the weeds you refer to in this video and the stick for insects to navigate in and out of is still on place, is there anything else I need to do? P.s. Sirius is gorgeous!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Mary :) Sorry for the delay in acknowledging you but I'm just trying to catch up with everyone after the Christmas break. Oxygenating plants (hornwort etc) will have become "dormant" for the winter now so you won't see them until around April time now, but they're there :) There's nothing else to do except for the "weeds" you mention of course. Thank you so much for your encouragement and support, it does make a difference - and thank you re Siri, he's a darling boy and nearly 15 now so I am making the most of the time with him - best wishes, Joel

[@jonathanE1962]

Hi Joel, how does Phil stop leaves going in the pond in Autumn and winter ? Does he need to cover with netting ?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I believe Phil keeps on top of it with a small net, which if done once a week ensures it's not too much of an effort in one go and when some have already started to sink to the bottom. I find this a much easier method than netting the whole pond, and it allows birds free access too. There aren't too many broad-leaved trees adjacent to Phil so it might be easier to do. Hope this helps though - you might find this video helpful Jonathan that I uploaded previously: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2XUhYmIjKqSeas Best wishes - Joel

[@jonathanE1962]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks Joel. I made a small wildlife pond and after one year, it had newts and frogs in it - which was great to see - but I have several broad leaf trees nearby, even though in summer it gets a fair amount of sun. So thanks for telling me about your other vid on how to deal with this issue. Jonathan

[@AdiHughesGuitar]

Hi Joel. I put a wildlife pond in my garden as soon as I moved in, and have a wildflower garden as well as some formal planting. Sadly it's a nature-depleted area unfortunately (new build estate, lot's of concrete and fake grass around), so not much nature around to visit. Anyway - any advice or videos you have on keeping the water safe? I have one of those oxygenator things, but no filters. Is that enough? The concern is regarding the water being safe for nature to wash / drink in, noting current bird-flu worries.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Adi, so good to hear that despite there being a lack of habitat adjacent to your garden, this hasn't put you off - believe me, creatures desperately in need will find you and you probably haven't seen all the benefits that your garden is bringing and will continue to bring - they will find you :) When I make these ponds they don't have any artificial filtration or pumps etc, there is no need with the oxygenating plants and if there is 60-70% coverage with floating leaved plants, such as lilies etc, then this will also keep the water cool and oxygenated. I know that the RSPB advised that spread of bird-flu would be very rare via bird-feeders as a lot of garden birds seem to be "immune" (for want of a better word!). It is more the factory-farmed and close-contact situated birds that are affected, and of course a lot of sea-birds and similar. None of this is scientifically studied by me I should point out but I have not heard that it can be transmitted easily by pond water/bathing etc but of course with smaller bodies like bird-baths they should be regularly cleaned/refilled etc anyway. I hope this reassures you, but I've also just found this page by RSPB that may be more helpful - www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/disease-and-garden-wildlife/avian-influenza-updates/ Best wishes - Joel

[@AdiHughesGuitar]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thank you very much for taking the time to answer, have a great Xmas!

[@margaretmitchell8368]

New to your site so sorry if I haven’t found what I’m looking for but…… we have a new grandchild ho’s coming up to 1yr old so we need to toddler-proof our garden. Any suggestions on how to cover a pond? Our wildlife pond is small enough to deal with, but we have a more formal pond, 6’x6’, that’s got us scratching our heads. Any covering will need support in the centre, but we made it with a variable depth so no stable base, and a flexible liner that we need to avoid puncturing. (We anticipate amphibians will still be able to get in and out but we will be adding a birdbath to the garden so the birds don’t lose their bathing facilities).

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Margaret, it might be easier if you sent a few photos to me, then I'll ensure I give the correct advice :) You can reach me at [e-mail], I will be working away next week but get to you as soon as I can. Best wishes, Joel

[@HartleyHare-e1g]

When is the best time ie what month is best to clear a wildlife pond?

[@lafamillecarrington]

It is mid-June and really hot and dry in South-East England, and I have just been watching frogs, newts (and possibly a toad) in my pond. The air is full of red and blue damselflies, and life is good. The pond had got very overgrown so, in early spring, I removed a lot of water celery (nasty stuff!), overgrown reeds and waterlilies. Fortunately, that doesn't seem to have slowed the wildlife down. Could you advise me about whether I should remove some of the sludge from the bottom of the pond. It is probably 15cm deep - I had to raise the pump onto a breezeblock to keep it clear of the mud and stop it getting clogged. I want to do whatever is best for the wildlife.

[@raymondkilminster2194]

can i ask do you guys stock Broad leaf pondweed in your on line store .

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Raymond - we don't and not many suppliers do unfortunately, as it can spread quite voraciously and likes water 2 or more meters deep. If you wanted a good cover plant though I would highly recommend Fringed water lily as it covers the surface nicely, doesn't go rampant and helps keep the water clear, along with the oxygenators - we do sell the Fringed Water Lily on www.wildyourgarden.com - I hope this helps - best wishes, Joel

[@raymondkilminster2194]

hi joel i noticed on your web site that your out of stock of the fringed water lily at the moment . i assume you will be getting more in Spring .

[@Windsongwoodshop]

How about a stock tank heater for those with available electric?

[@radekszymanski4694]

Should I do anything if the weather freezes in my pond? For example, create little airholes? In my climate the temperature often goes to -10C in the winter.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Radek, most amphibians will have left the pond in early winter to hibernate in surrounding cover like log-piles, leaf piles and brash etc. I would always recommend trying to thaw part of the pond, particularly around the edges so that birds can bathe and drink, which is important to them in keeping healthy. I made a short video here explaining a little more, I hope it helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jV7QeGiipbOrhc0 Best wishes - Joel

[@e.e.688]

I just got an allotment with an overgrown plastic pond. The previous owners sadly left a lot of garbage in the garden. There are small parts of plastic basically everywhere. I want to save as much as possible, as there are quite a few wildflowers and rare animals that used the overgrown garden as shelter. I want to save the pond as well, however I think I will have to clean it out. My neighbors told me there are newts and snakes in the garden and I am afraid of harming them while cleaning out the pond. There is the same problem with an old tub that was buried as a pond. The tub is stinky and I am afraid that maybe some animals drowned in it because there is no shallow exit. Can you recommend a time when to best clean it out or how?

[@jackstone4291]

You and your brother trying out for Chelsea Flower or Hampton Court Gardens or Tatton Park Gardens shows this year …?…….

[@deltoid4]

Honest to fukin god some people 🙄..... did she really have to hang washing out whilst you were filming. Great Pond. Also from sunny south Wales 😎

[@colettemorgan4503]

A pond attracts frogs which is great but it also attracts snakes, and that for me is not good.