Making a Wildlife Pond in 3 Days - Timelapse - 4K

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Just had a wonderful email from the client - "The pond is looking gin-clear as you heralded, and birds and mammals are already drinking from it; we haven't yet managed to get a pic of them doing so, but their prints are around the margin The moon looks good, reflected in it, too. Thanks again for all your hard work - very evident in the video. We're really looking forward to spring growth round the pond, and the gradual influx of life in the water" - so very pleased, all within a few days! Joel

[@kevinpowell7948]

Keep smiling, you're helping mother nature heal herself. 🍀

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you, I will - your support really does make a difference Kevin, really appreciate it. Best wishes, Joel

[@colinjennings8778]

It’s good to see people putting in wildlife ponds instead of ornamental ones. Another great video Joel. We hear so much about re wilding on a landscape scale on the tv but not a lot about how we are doing our bit to help nature in our back gardens.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Absolutely Colin, and thank you :) I wish there were more gardening programmes featuring how we can actually help in our own green spaces and the rewards that gardening in this way can bring - I do think that some people are still of the mindset that wild means messy etc but I think the videos here show that it's far from it :) I know that Gardener's World etc do sometimes feature meadows etc but not enough about what the benefits of gardening with nature in mind can bring. Best wishes, as always - Joel

[@donaldauguston9740]

Thanks Joel. I really enjoyed this video. Take care and Happy New Year, DA - Vancouver, WA

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Donald - thanks so much for letting me know, your encouragement means a lot and spurs me on to do further videos :) Happy New Year to you too, just wonderful that my videos are reaching Vancouver! Best wishes to you and yours, Joel

[@charliensam]

I am so looking forward to all the wonderful videos on your channel in 2022. You are an inspiration to us all to bring a little wildlife into our gardens. 🐦🦋🐝🌻

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I'm really grateful for your support Michele, it makes a difference, it really does :) I really appreciate your kind words too - I have circa 50 videos to still edit and upload and seem to manage to take more footage every day I'm out and about, it's now just finding the time to get them onto the channel, working on it though :) Best wishes - Joel

[@Narnendil]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Wow, I'm really looking forward to all of those videos!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@Narnendil Thank you so much - your support means a lot! Best wishes, Joel

[@adam2403]

In our nature-depleted country, you are doing a great job. I'd love if you could explain further in your videos how providing a home for insects attracts everything else. Keep it up!

[@jdlatos8472]

Love your work!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you for leaving such a kind comment, it makes a difference :) Best wishes to you and yours - Joel

[@453421abcdefg12345]

That is going to develop into a wonderful pond, I like the idea of putting stone in to stop the soil slumping into the bottom of the pond, I noticed that even with all that digging you did not hit a single stone! If I tried that I would hit a Land Rover size stone 3" below the ground level, looking forward to seeing this in the Spring! Stay safe! Chris B.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Chris - had a smirk or two at the Land Rover sized stones - they'd cost a fortune here! Best wishes as always - Joel

[@spencerf1446]

Nice one Joel

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Spencer - really appreciate it :) Hope all is well with you - best wishes as always, Joel

[@keithhanssen7413]

Perfect addition to the garden! Very nice size. It’ll be brimming with wildlife in no time.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Keith - much appreciated :) Best wishes, Joel

[@gillnash8211]

I have recently come across your sites and love your style of rewinding. Over the years I have been transforming my garden and recently added my wildlife pond, well did it last week, 3metres by 2metres. Already looks great and being used by the birds. The tip I picked up from this video is I can place by soil straight onto the grass around the edge to plant up, so no removal of the lawn. Thumbs up from me.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Gill! This is so wonderful to read, I posted a video last night to thank everyone for their support as we'd just reached 25k subscribers and to know more and more habitats are being created is reward enough, the word is spreading - thanks so much for your support and kind words, it really does make a difference :) Best wishes to you and yours, Joel

[@flyingfishing5705]

love it!!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you :) Glad you enjoyed this - best wishes, Joel

[@jasonridyardhome]

Lovely start to the vid Danny, thought I was about to watch a passion for angling Great session, it’s good to be back on the river 🎣

[@normancoutts]

A very timely reminder of your 'system' Joel. I am just waiting for the worst of the ground frosts to clear before removing the turf and getting to the dig. This will be a great reference point. All the best.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Norman, thanks so much - and happy new year to you, rather belatedly! So glad that the videos are still proving useful. Take good care, best wishes as always - Joel

[@pollatso]

Thanks 🙏

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You’re welcome 😊

[@PaulOutdoors]

Wow Joel that was a professional masterclass. What a transformation. The pond looks like it belongs and has been there forever. You are making the world a better place, one project and video at a time. Thank you. Paul 😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank YOU! You have a wonderful way with words Paul, and every one means such a lot to me, so grateful for your support, particularly with your knowledge and experience :) Best wishes, Joel

[@PaulOutdoors]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Fellow tribe members resonate with one another Joel 😊

[@TheRhinoswife]

Absolutely beautiful! Wanna come to Tennessee and help me make my wildlife pond? 😄😅 I'm slowly digging it out 😁 Couldn't do it without you!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I would love to find an excuse to visit Tennessee! If you need any remote help until I can get there then I'm right here :) Forgive me if you've seen already but there is a 3 part series on the channel on how to make one of these ponds.... Best wishes, Joel

[@samjoseph7454]

Awesome stuff Joel & team 👏🏻 Looking forward to seeing how that pond looks in spring!! 😃

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Us too! Thanks for your kind words and support Sam, it really makes a difference :) Best wishes, Joel

[@markhunter2244]

Excellent pond looks good, it will be nice to see what’s already moved in when you return in the spring with the oxygenators and water lilies 🌱

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Mark - I'll be sure to take some updated footage when I return and make an update video for the channel, so many more videos to come - best wishes as always, Joel

[@debbieurias5151]

Wild life landscaping is my favorite style

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Mine too Debbie :) I hope you find the channel helpful, we have a wonderful community here. Best wishes, Joel

[@lvurbanfarming9001]

This is amazing

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you so much - I really appreciate your support - best wishes to you and yours, Joel

[@lvurbanfarming9001]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton i wll be buying your book.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@lvurbanfarming9001 I really appreciate that Ed - how wonderful that a copy will now be in Vegas too! Fantastic - thank you so much for your support, best wishes - Joel

[@Butterfly-vg4qp]

Thanks Joel! This made my heart leap 🤗🌈

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You are more than welcome! Thanks so much for your support, it really does make a difference - best wishes, Joel

[@markirish7599]

23.200 subs now and im glad to be one. Best wishes from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I'm glad you are too Mark :) Everyone's support really does help and encourage me to keep doing these videos and knowing that more habitats are being created is worth any effort - thanks for your support, it really does make a difference - best wishes, Joel

[@Outaboutdetecting]

That was fantastic to watch, a lot of time and effort go into your videos, really enjoy watching them. Can't wait to see how the pond looks when you return in April/may time.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you so much - your support means a lot :) I'll be sure to upload the video shortly after returning to show it in all it's glory - best wishes, Joel

[@battleguybarry5973]

As always joe cracking job sir it will be great to see what it looks like in spring time 🐸

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Peter - really appreciate your support, lots more to upload and I'll of course create an update video when I am back there with the oxygenators and floating plants - take good care, best wishes, Joel

[@stevehiggins1263]

Looks great Joel, you inspired me to incorporate your kind of work with my existing gardening business and after setting up my own small pond I am now preparing to do one for a client! Keep up the great work!.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

That's great Steve, thank you :) Good luck with everything and remember you're creating more and more habitats for nature - best wishes, and thanks again for the support - Joel

[@titiasplantedaquariums]

There is something really beautiful about these pond-building videos, I love them. Nice size pond to. This afternoon my man and I got out for a nice walk and I discussed my next year's plans for the backyard. Moving the wheelie bins closer to the yard door and removing the fence and overhang where they are stored now. Only half of that is actual in use and it blocks a part of the morning light to. My man approves so far my plans, so that is wonderful. I don't know if I have space for a full coppice and nesting area for birds, but I will see what I can do.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

It sounds like you are very keen, thinking about it a lot and determined to do the right thing - it is all about planning :) Let me know how you get on and what visitors you are rewarded with Titia - best wishes, Joel

[@titiasplantedaquariums]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks, Joel. I think about it a lot indeed, yesterday evening I bought a book about how to create a cottage garden. And a book about wildlife ponds. I'm sure that these books will help me a lot in designing the backyard, but also the front yard. Starting this spring of course with the mortar tub pond and adding more plants💪🏻🌿🌻🌼🌹🌷🌺🪳🐛🦋🐞🐝💧

[@markrowland5393]

Nice one, Joel.

[@Narnendil]

It really is my dream to one day have something like this!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there - it is possible to do, even with a little space - there is a 3 part series on the channel on how to do a pond like this, but you can use carpet instead of fleece of course - hope your dreams come true real soon Narnendil :) Best wishes to you and yours, Joel

[@EasyHikes4810]

Great video, Joel. Really appreciate the work that goes into building one this size. Can't wait to see the result in late spring when the flowers are in bloom with the plants and grasses growing nicely and of course some wildlife around and in the pond🙂. Have a great week!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You and me both! It won't be long before I'm back there to see everything matured and settled in :) Did you see the comment a few days ago that we were looking for "holidays" in Canada... just researching at the moment but I'll be sure to let you know when I am Canada-bound - take good care both of you - all the best, Joel

[@CardsbyMaaike]

Nice pond, I can already see how it will be magnificent later on. I never seen the fleece on top of the black liner, but it makes sense, so much sense with all those rocks. Also like the speed in which you work? that was no time lapse ;-) hehe just kidding of course. I look forward to see it once it's established. I only had 3, now 1 cement mixing buckets,like 90litres orso and it had so much life in it. even a plant dish attracts birds for drinking and bathing, everyone can do it

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey - thank you - that did make me laugh! Yes, the fleece not only protects the liner (it's butyl rubber and recommended by Greenpeace as it's made from recycled tyres) but the fleece also ensures we have some subsoil to plant in to and the lack of nutrient in the subsoil helps keep the water clear, as well as the oxygenating plants of course, meaning no plants in baskets and no artificial pumps or filters :) You're right though, water is a vital source for wildlife and they'll be grateful for any containers with it in - I've seen frogspawn in an old ice cream tub a client had left out in the garden! Best wishes, hope you enjoy the rest of the channel, lots more ponds on there - Joel

[@englishtommy3039]

Outstanding job as always Joel 👍🙂

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you! Great to hear from you - hope you are doing fine :) Best wishes, Joel

[@lynnrushton7458]

Loved that! 👏👏👏

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for all your support, as always Lynn - best wishes, Joel

[@mariasimonabusuoic389]

can't wait to build my own pond this summer...great job Joel

[@markirish7599]

Best Time to build pond is winter

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Maria - I appreciate your support :) Best wishes, Joel

[@mariasimonabusuoic389]

@@markirish7599 hard to do that here in Sweden where the ground is frozen :)

[@MoustermindTCG]

Great to see you for the new year! It just so happens that I've just started digging the wildlife pond in my new garden today 😁

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

That's great!! Really pleased to hear that Tigrah, do send some photos if you get a chance, to [e-mail] - I'd love to see how you're doing. Best wishes, Joel

[@alejandro26_]

Subscriber 23.3K aprox. Greetings from Córdoba, Argentina!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Alejandro! Thank you so much for your support, it means a lot - and a subscriber from Argentina... wow! :) I do hope you enjoy the channel - best wishes, Joel

[@wildlifegardener-tracey6206]

Thats looks great Joel perfect for that garden. They're going to get lots of pleasure from it I'm sure. Look forward to the April update.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Me too Tracey - I do hope you're keeping well. Will be sure to upload the video shortly after to show improved it is with all the marginal plants maturing :) Take good care - Joel

[@GregsWildlife]

I've been wanting to build a pond in my back garden for years, but I'm so worried I'll do it wrong I keep putting it off. I'll watch your how to videos and hopefully gain some confidence to finally get started over the next few weeks.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey Greg! The how-to videos are pretty detailed on the 3 part series so I am sure you will do absolutely fine. You've just reminded me about your frog-watch videos that I used to watch, time and workload has meant that I haven't really had time to absorb other people's videos so I've just subscribed to your channel and recommend that anyone else that reads this does too - I love the gentle style of your films and the information and encouragement they bring! Please stay in touch as I'd love to come and meet you when I'm in your area (I say this as I'm bound to be at some point as I work literally all over the country!) - best wishes, and thanks for your support - Joel

[@GregsWildlife]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Fantastic, thank you so much. I'd love to meet up at some point. If you're doing any work in Norfolk at any time, perhaps I could come by and we could do a spot of filming, if you have the time.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@GregsWildlife Thanks so much Greg - I'll MAKE the time for sure, I do have a busy schedule but I'd love to make a video with you - if you get a chance then do send me a quick email to [e-mail] and we can keep in touch - I do have a meadow project in Holt (amongst other client works) but I know that's pretty far east, send an email and we can make it work :) Best wishes, and thanks again - Joel

[@williamsclive2900]

Looks quality Joel very nice mate 👌

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey you! :) Thanks ever so much - feet haven't touched the ground, despite promising myself a two week break in January I've been back at it since 4th Jan... more habitats though of course :) Hope you're doing well - best wishes as always, Joel

[@keithroberts42]

Another fantastic video Joel, they are a useful resource to look back through when I need some tips, and a great supplement to your book. Looking forward to this year and seeing which plants thrive in my garden, and of course to see which species visit, love it when I find something new. Last year it was the Black Cap and the toad, let's see what this year brings.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey Keith - thanks so much for the kind words, so glad the book is helpful to you too. Keep me updated on what you find :) Best wishes as always, Joel

[@cdouglas8393]

Congrats on 23k subscribers. I'm waiting for your book to be delivered today too. Moving into my first house in October this year and hoping to make it as wildlife friendly as possible. Although it's a new build and therefore has a compact garden, I was pleased to see that the fencing in the back is 900mm post and rail fence so hopefully the wildlife can move more freely between gardens :)

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Awesome! Thank you - I am doing a whole garden design and installation on a new build later this year, can't wait to start it and of course will do a full video on this - great re the fencing, that shows some great forethought from the developers. The book will be invaluable for you no doubt, and thanks so much for your support - it's appreciated :) Best wishes, Joel

[@heatherbruce4496]

Well done you don't half put a shift in

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Haha! Thanks Heather, it was a pretty hard few days but a very competent colleague helped as you can see - so many more to do this year with other larger projects too, looking forward to every single one though - more habitats of course :) Hope you're doing well, best wishes - Joel

[@BarriosGroupie]

Looks very elegant where the pond takes center stage rather than the supporting structure; which is what we want for a wild-life pond. One KZbin channel recommends siting a pond where it doesn't get too much sun, to prevent it from becoming too green: I'm guessing that this depends upon the pond type, and for wild-life we want it as warm and sunny as possible via a south facing part of the garden?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Couldn't agree more! Yes, ponds are better in a sunny situation but like any pond the cover with native lilies and other surface plants, along with the hornwort of course helps to keep these gin clear, and as you know already a certain amount of blanket weed is good for tadpoles, they thrive on it! Best wishes as always, hope you and yours are doing fine - Joel

[@UkAmphibians]

Amazing this joel just in time for the amphibians nice one 🐸💚🐸

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey! Great to hear from you - really looking forward to getting back in Spring - I recommended your channel to someone the other day as they're looking to encourage more frogs with vivarium set ups :) Best wishes - Joel

[@UkAmphibians]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton that’s great really appreciate you recommending us Joel I’ve done the same for you too just the other day great minds think a like nice one 🐸💚🐸

[@klcpca]

Happy New Year!! Looking forward to all of your new content. Amazing watching it all come together ... So much work done in so little time!!! It's going to look AMAZING when it's finished and grown in some... (I got dizzy watching you spin around in your excavator!! LOL )

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

And to you too! I must admit when I watched the time-lapse bit back I did think that I'd prob only last about 12 seconds if I had to be spinning round at that rate ;) Hope all is good for you where you are - take good care, Joel

[@mettesimonsen6196]

Awesome job, I can't wait to see it with plants as well 😊 I am about to make a wild life pond myself and I was wondering, if it would disturb the wild life, if I make a small stream going into the pond? I am not going to put fish in the pond. I have ordered your book and I am excited for it to arrive. I love your videos and what you do for the wild life in private gardens 👍😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Mette, thanks so much for your support, it's really appreciated. I know the book will be very helpful and I'll keep uploading the videos - the stream going into the pond won't have a detrimental effect at all - in the video "Wildlife Pond Designs" on the channel you can see one of the ponds I created with a stream running to it :) Best wishes, and best of luck - Joel

[@micksmusicchannel]

Loved this one Joel, that's a fair size as well... size is obviously important, but how small can you go a wildlife pond? Keep up the great work pal 👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Mick - sorry for the delay - any sized water source would be respite for many creatures, but for a "decent" pond I'd say 2m x 3m, but preferably 5m x 3m as smaller ponds will lose water/evaporate quicker. Best wishes as always - Joel

[@micksmusicchannel]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thanks Joel. Hope you're having a restful Sunday 🙂👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@micksmusicchannel Just been editing another video 😅 - hopefully it will upload this evening! So, kind of restful compared to a normal day!

[@micksmusicchannel]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton excellent.. it'll give me some Sunday night viewing 😀 Thanks for the heads up Joel.. wind is picking up here, hope its OK where you are pal 👍

[@alanjones6916]

Pond looks great as always👍Is it possible you could do a video of things to do in your wildlife garden as winter turns to spring? I’m sorry I didn’t catch up with you when you were near Southampton hopefully you may be back sometime in the future? Keep up the great content 👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Alan - really sorry I couldn't see you when in Southampton, had two jobs on the go and a pretty tight deadline so we were working by floodlight a lot! I'll certainly keep in mind about the video idea for winter turning to spring - thanks for your support, as always - best wishes to you and yours, Joel

[@Sheepdog1314]

I wish I could dig a pond, but I live on a ledge and there is only a few inches of soil .. I have a spring come out of the rocks, would be perfect for a fish pond, and keep the lower property from being soggy all the time

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey - sorry I missed this, you could try a barrel pond (which will encourage lots of visitors) or even a raised pond with rocks etc on the inside and outside to allow creatures to exit. Best wishes - Joel

[@cynthiaong754]

Love natural looking ponds. But as it is stagnant water, will the pond smells over time?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Cynthia - no, just the same as ponds in nature where no one is using artificial filtration - these ponds are filled with natural oxygenating plants and the low nutrient in the subsoil keeps them clean and clear too - obviously leaf removal in the autumn is recommended but it's all down to the natural oxgenators that keep these crystal clear :) I hope that helps - best wishes, Joel

[@brownfamily3218]

Hi Joel Great to see another pond being dug. Will you still be doing a video of our pond? I'm trying to get out in the garden everyday. Got part of the meadow seeded in the autumn. Working on extending the coppice belt at the moment. Need to take out some of the hazel and replace it with other species. We've got blanket weed in the pond at the moment so may need some barley straw. I'll see how it goes once the vegetation starts to grow. Very cold out there though lol!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hello there! I do have the video but not edited yet, I am hoping to try to do something this weekend, been away a lot and the video here was pretty easy to edit and upload, yours is going to take a little longer ;) Barley straw will do it, but do leave some blanket weed for the tadpoles, a great food source for them :) Catch up with you soon, take good care - Joel

[@brownfamily3218]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Hi Joel Thanks for the reply. I really don't know how you manage to keep up with all you do. Just been watching your latest video ( stinking hellebore). Checked your shop and you are out of stock at the moment. I'm clearing out the flower bed under the ornamental plum tree so need shade loving plants. Trying to find some Solomon's Seal but no luck yet. I've missed your videos whilst you have been so busy but have found lots of others to watch! Hope you can make it back here sometime when you are passing and I will keep you updated on how the pond and meadow are doing. Found a very large frog the other day in the garden and what I think were two small tortoiseshell caterpillars. One in the garden and one when I was out walking. Take care Karen

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@brownfamily3218 Ha! You're right... just spent the last few hours editing a relatively short video about a fantastic experience in Norfolk - uploading clips of yours at the same time so I can edit and finalise it next weekend hopefully! Will definitely come and see you when I'm next your way, would be great in Spring to see everything coming to life :) Take care both of you - Joel

[@brownfamily3218]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Hello again. Saw you on The Middle Sized Garden KZbin this morning!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@brownfamily3218 Really enjoyed meeting Alexandra, she had been waiting a good while until I could get there - we made two videos so another to come soon I think :)

[@annashiegl]

My dream pond 😍 I made a very small pond in my garden 2 years ago, and I've had 3 frogs in it last summer, but it's got leaves in it now over winter, which I try to remove. Will the leaves make the bottom muddy,and smelly? I haven't got any plants in as it's such a small pond, but I think I probably should put some oxygenator type plants in? I'm a novice but want to do a bit for wildlife.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Anna - even a small pond is of such great value to wildlife and it's so nice to hear that yours has been around for 2 years now. Yes, the leaves will be detrimental but as your pond is small, in a few months you could drain some of the water (take it out with buckets to not harm creatures etc) and then have a root around and clear as much as you can. Oxygenators like hornwort are great - if you wanted to see the variety of plants that are good we will have them on sale once they are "awake" and useful - at www.wildyourgarden.com - also please do see this video so you can see what fallen leaves are capable of, and you'll be grateful your pond is small! kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4rbqJ2ur7KXmdk

[@annashiegl]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thank you so much, I've since watched more of your videos and found out how to make a pond properly. I came here from Alexander's middle sized garden. She's fab too 😍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@annashiegl That's so good to hear Anna, I really appreciate your support - I've done a second video with Alexandra to be "aired" soon :) Best wishes - Joel

[@garnetbarkley7482]

I’m curious as to why you put fleece on top of the pond liner. I’ve never seen it done that way before

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Garnet, I am not sure if this is the only video you have seen on the channel so far but it is explained in depth in this 3 part series, which might be helpful over all - kzbin.info/www/bejne/onzVm4Csa7mAorc The fleece is used to support the subsoil which allows planting directly into the soil and negating the need for plastic baskets :) Hope this helps - best wishes to you, Joel

[@garnetbarkley7482]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton it did help to have your explanation and yes, this is the first video I’ve seen of yours. I will be sure to watch your three part series. I found the one I did watch very enjoyable.

[@garethsmith6998]

Great video ! Did you do a follow up video when you went back ?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Gareth, I will be doing a follow-up but working all over the country, from Cornwall to Scotland, means that it's difficult to return immediately as there are other projects that have to be undertaken of course, but I keep a logistical list to ensure that when I am back in any area I can revisit the sites and film updates for everyone and there are many to come :) Best wishes, Joel

[@garethsmith6998]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton I completely understand, I wasn't sure if I couldn't find a follow up. I really don't know how you fit everything into your schedule!!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@garethsmith6998No problem! I know people ask a lot, so what I've done this year is hold off on a lot of the pond creation videos so I can do a complete video of each one once I've revisited so everyone can see them afterwards too. If your wife needs further convincing you could always show her this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHiUqGqDis2bjtU

[@Ceoil]

Looks great. I would very nervous about a leak forming especially as you have to work over the pond liner before you've filled it, even if it you do have another protection layer over it. Did you ever get a leak? Is it possible to find and repair it afterwards?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there :) In nearly 17 years of installing ponds in this way they have never suffered any leaks - care should always be taken of course. If this does happen then there are indeed ways of repairing any holes, this is known as "welding" using sealant and additional liner to ensure it's water-tight. Some people do think that they have a leak when the water levels drop naturally in the beginning (this is due to the surrounding soil and plants soaking it up), it's usually not the case of a leak - hope this helps. Best wishes - Joel

[@WillPreston3D]

Ive got a load of carpet off cuts, shoukd i put them under my underlay as an extra layer of cusioning?

[@geeker211]

Beautiful! I'm adding a pond to my garden this year! One question----How do you keep mosquitoes from breeding in it? That's the only thing that worries me

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you so much :) The best thing with wildlife ponds is that they attract many creatures, from dragonflies through to frogs/toads and of course bats - together these all make a huge impact on mosquito larvae and the adults - hope this helps - best wishes, Joel

[@geeker211]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks! I just bought your book, I can't wait for it to arrive :)

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@geeker211 Thank you so much - I know it will be a great help, and I really appreciate your support - the book was the reason this channel was started, there are lots of videos here to accompany it :) Best wishes, Nikki

[@Butterfly-vg4qp]

Hi Joel. This might seem a strange question but once you build the pond, where do the boatmen and pond skaters etc come from? Where are they before they’re in your pond? 🙂

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there - not a strange question and one I've been asked a few times before :) Both have wings and are good fliers - pond skaters leave the water around autumn time to hibernate, water boatmen are often in the depths of the pond, only coming to the surface to renew their air supply :) They soon find a newly built pond - I hope this helps, best wishes - Joel

[@Butterfly-vg4qp]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks so much 🤗

[@WillPreston3D]

If my hole is already dug and the sides are too steep how do i build up the shelves? The soil is quite muddy/ crumbly

[@benjaminmartin7727]

I have a question! Love your ponds and hoping to build one myself. I’m thinking way into the future…but, what happens if your pond has a leak and there is all that stone and soil on top, are they easy to repair? Or are these ponds very leak proof? Thanks!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Ben - thanks so much for your support and kind comments, appreciated :) In 17 years I've never been called back to a pond that has leaked in any way. The butyl rubber has a life-time guarantee anyway, but with the fleece on top and underneath, plus the subsoil as the final layer it ensures that the liner is fully protected at all times. If you wanted any materials/liners etc when you do your pond we offer the products, and free advice, here: wildyourgarden.com/product-category/ponds-accessories/pond-plants/ We're happy to help at any point :) Best wishes - Joel

[@benjaminmartin7727]

Thanks so much for the information. Really enjoy your videos so much, I’ve implemented a lot of your advice on my two allotments, both which have ponds now, and one which is solely dedicated to wildlife. I’ll definitely head to your website for the next pond build! Many thanks Ben

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@benjaminmartin7727 You're very welcome Ben - you'll be rewarded for all your efforts - keep me updated on the visitors :) Best wishes, Joel

[@jesperborg3749]

Do you ever add mussels to the ponds ?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey Jesper - I don't, they're pretty rare in the UK, like the freshwater Pearl Mussels which are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Usually pond snails are the only creatures I would add, the rest turn up within a few days of their own accord :) I don't see the harm in adding freshwater mussels though, as long as they're sustainably sourced of course - best wishes, Joel

[@stevefowler3398]

What water do you fill up with? Is UK flouridised city water ok to use?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Steve, rainwater preferably BUT it is of course possible to use tap water in the UK, leave the water to stand for a week or two and the chlorine etc dissipates - tap water can encourage algal bloom but the right plants will combat this and the pond establish. With large ponds that I make they're usually not viable to fill with water butts etc completely. Hope this helps - best wishes, Joel

[@CoralMan24]

is there a new video up on this pond?

[@prisonmike1798]

Hi Joel I’ll be renovating my pond in the next couple of weeks, the ground in my garden is clay and hardcore/stone not the best for backfilling. What do you recommend I use instead to create the same effect with the retaining wall within the pond?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Mike. You could use gravel or sand in the bottom and mostly boulders on the sides. I hope that helps? Cheers. Joel.

[@prisonmike1798]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton sounds good👍🏼 thank you

[@joyceshankland5126]

Hi Joel,just watched your feed the birds video.For 9 months I've been feeding the birds Now I have magpies,crows ,woodpidgeons,robin,sparrows,starlings,blue tits,3 squirrels I have a squirrel box and now the magpies chatter to me and the crows caw when I'm near .I have a big hedge which supports all the birds they love peanuts,mealworms,pellets,seeds,and fatballs.I have friendly little brown Bird that visits,is it a dunnock that you mention ? I love them all,they need help 😊😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Joyce - that's fantastic, thank you for letting me know :) The Dunnock, if you wanted to google it to check, has the latin name Prunella modularis. They're quite "shy" but like to root around lower down. Thank you for doing your bit and helping them all - best wishes, Joel

[@joyceshankland5126]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thank you so much,at least you care to reply to comments that's what counts in this world !keep up your good work!🌹🥀🌺🌻🌼🌲🪴🐦🦅🕊🦆🦢

[@rosethorne9076]

Hi Joel, I'm wanting to make a container garden with a trug 20" diameter 13" deep so not a pond by any means. Is it too late to buy the plants I need please? Thanks.

[@mollie3244]

Going to do one of these around May but won't be able to get a digger in. Whatyathink? Three months instead of three days??? What's a garden without a pond though.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Mollie - it'll take a little longer for sure, but it does depend on the size of course. I am not sure if you've seen the 3 part series on the channel showing how I did it without a digger, but it may help with your planning anyway - forgive me if you've already seen it of course. So glad there is going to be another pond for wildlife, good luck with it and best wishes - Joel

[@mollie3244]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton I haven't. I just discovered your channel so I'll go look, thanks. Let there be frogs ;).

[@mollie3244]

Quick question, I won't keep tormenting you ;) but I just watched you "How deep should your pond be" and now I'm worried we're killing things. We have a dairy farm here in Ireland and we have lots of big water troughs all over the farm. Are we killing things. They are all concrete, all full of water up to a few cm away from the top. Most have pond weed. Should I float something in them or put a rock tower??? Anything I can do? I know there is wildlife around them. We keep the ditches and hedges as natural as we can.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@mollie3244 Hi Mollie - it is about exit rather than access, ie if they would find it difficult actually climbing the water troughs (I am imagining the metal large horse-drinking troughs here) - but rocks and things placed at the sides or either end would help of course, but I think it unlikely most critters would be able to get in - do check though of course :) Best wishes, Joel

[@mollie3244]

​@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton More like big concrete things. I'm going to have a serious think about this. There is one the cows can't get to anymore, its in long grass and its huge. I'll play with it next week and send you a picture. You should do a vid on things we farmers could be doing, There aren't any on youtube. Anyway, thank you for the information and inspiration. Sleep well.

[@pluffer96]

It's nice to see a job well done, by well trained plantsmen/landscapers, rather then the "Do As you like's"! that you tend to get in the south east.

[@francismaloney8775]

👍🌹🇮🇪👏

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you 😁👍