MAKING A WILDLIFE POND In The RAIN - Timelapse

[@peaseblossom4252]

What a gorgeous oasis-I can imagine sitting cross-legged on sunny summer days just watching the pond and wildflower meadow with Rocky, or curled up in the greenhouse with a good book and hot tea on cool rainy days. I would love to create something like this in my backyard (northern Utah). Can’t wait for the follow up video. Many thanks for all the hard work of not just creating these little treasures of wildness, but also taking us along for the ride. …And scritches to Rocky, what a sweet boy. ♥️

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

What a lovely comment to read after a hard day in torrential rain (yes, next project and it's rained every day so far!) - I love the description of this and no doubt John (and Rocky!) will be doing just what you describe. I'll be sure to revisit next spring to see them all and show everyone how this vital pond and meadow will look - beautiful I guarantee. Thanks so much, I really appreciate this - best wishes to you and yours in Utah - Joel

[@keithhanssen7413]

Handled like the professional you are. Calm and collected in the face of adversity. I’m sure it wasn’t your first time dealing with a challenging situation. Looks fabulous. Bravo.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks ever so much Keith, it certainly wasn't easy on any of us but a great team, including John of course! No, not the first time and funnily (!) enough I'm in Wales this week starting on another huge Hazelwood project - any bets on weather this one will be constructed during heavy rains?! I'll keep you all updated and I'll of course be filming it all to bring to you soon. Very best wishes, and thanks again for the support and encouragement - Joel

[@Tofog22000]

Looking forward to next year! Great size of the pond to the scale of the property 👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey you! Thanks so much, me too - can't wait to see Rocky again (and John of course!) and to show everyone how this pond and meadow will be transformed and so vital for so much wildlife. Speak to you soon - Joel

[@nickiramsay2421]

Great job Joel and team. I don’t envy you working in all that rain. Loved seeing Rocky, what a sweet old gent he is. I used to have a border collie who could hear the sound of Velcro opening from yards away, he associated the noise with treat bags opening so would be obsessed with you when he heard it because he thought you had snacks. They are clever dogs, collies, I just lost my last one a couple of months ago and I feel like a tree with no leaves, totally bereft 😢. Keep up the good work

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

That must be it! I have to say you brought a tear to my eye with your beautiful reference to a tree with no leaves, I've never heard bereavement described so well. Collies are amazing, all Shepherd breeds seem to have that intelligence edge, for obvious reasons. Remember, those that live on in the hearts of others never truly die :) Very best wishes, and thank you. Joel

[@jamescunningham1973]

What a brilliant job under harsh conditions,from experience its hard to sleep thinking about the job and the rain and what state the site will be the next day,John was a godsend for the job but looks like he enjoyed it,cant wait to see it next year

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey James, so sorry for the delay - just trying to keep up with everyone but along with other projects to revisit I'll certainly be bringing the updates on this one - lots more that I've done this year (and last!) to edit and revisit. Working all over the country means it's difficult to stay and film transformations, one job finished and then I'm hundreds of miles away again. But it does mean that over time I am no doubt back in the same area as many completed projects and will be filming these so that everyone can see the whole transformation in one go :) Hope you're well - best wishes, Joel

[@twotonenavy]

This was an absolutely stunning transformation, Joel! Well done, especially with all the difficulties Mother Nature threw out at you, your crew, and client. This is going to be a wonderful addition to a patchwork quilt of wildlife sanctuaries across the UK. I absolutely love it! 😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

How did I miss this?! Thanks so much, as always your comments and kind words really do help after difficult days. In Wales at the moment in even more rain, torrential today but we soldiered on as best we could! Catch up with you soon, best wishes to you and yours - Joel

[@george-1961]

Absolutely love this video Joel. Been a while but so much worth the wait. Felt for you working in them harsh rainy conditions. John seems a lovely man getting stuck in helping you out, not many would do that. The pond and landscaping is absolutely amazing and will look even better once established. Can’t wait to see how it becomes next year🤞Thank you and keep up the good work Joel 👌👏

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you George, it was good to watch this back. So many videos to edit and upload for you all, but I just thought that this one certainly depicted this time of year. John is a brilliant client and now friend, I absolutely can't wait to visit him and the family again next year. John will keep me up-to-date with visitors and how it's progressing for sure, and I'm not sure we could have done this so quickly without him. Hope you've had a good weekend, best wishes as always - Joel

[@eywasdaughter]

Utterly beautiful pond and really magical to watch its creation. Hope John and his family enjoy many summers to come on that wonderful deck! What a relaxing spot! Water is a fascinating dimension to add to any garden, but especially when it's surrounded by dragonflies 👍

[@itsmewende]

My word, what a sanctuary for both critters and humans. I bet that greenhouse will be lived in throughout the yr. You are such an inspiration to build a pond, or in my case, get it back to it's glory days.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Wende, I'm really glad you enjoyed this one. Hopefully the more videos and different projects I can show, the more people will be encouraged to do these in their own gardens and more wildlife will be helped, worldwide :) Hope you're keeping well - best wishes, Joel

[@patdelaney191]

Fantastic job and well done John who certainly wasn't afraid to get stuck in. 👍👍👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

He certainly wasn't Pat, and looked after us so well throughout the project, can't wait to see him and the family again in spring and show you all how fantastic this habitat will look. Best wishes, Joel

[@keithroberts42]

Admire your determination in the face of adversity, and a neat job by the end. Look forward to seeing the plants mature, and what wildlife moves in. Regards Keith

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Keith, having John and Craig to help certainly made this project run smoothly and on time. Lots to work against but with a team (and client!) like this it certainly makes good viewing when editing it all. Thanks ever so much for all your support, it's appreciated. A spring update to come on this project, for sure. Lots more videos to come of course, best wishes - Joel

[@filmakercrossley]

Well done Joel, enjoyed every minute of your video, A beautiful pond constructed in the most frustrating conditions, brilliant.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you David, if anyone knows hard work it's you! So glad you enjoyed this, and it goes without saying that I enjoyed your recent wildlife garden update on your channel and without doubt would recommend it to anyone seeing this comment. Hope you and Audrey are doing well, still planning to drop by in December on the way to Scotland. Very best wishes to you both, as always - Joel

[@dinodinosaur2930]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Brilliant work by you and your team ... Looking forward to see this garden in the spring time if possible ... Thank you

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate your kind words and support - I'll certainly be returning in spring. So many other projects to show everyone and many more updates to bring. I work all over the country so it's difficult to stay and film updates a few weeks later, as I'm usually circa 200 miles away on another project by then. But I'll definitely be visiting John and the family again. Hope you had a good weekend and best wishes to you and yours :) Joel

[@patrickstuart8211]

Another enjoyable video Joel and team. Being a Carpenter and working on building sites for 35 years I know how those conditions can affect moral and impact on the work . Looking forward to seeing the follow up next summer . Good job everyone.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Patrick, thank you so much - apologies for the delay, just trying to catch up with everyone now. But I really appreciate the support and encouragement, now I'm in torrential downpours in Wales - goes hand-in-hand I guess! Best wishes, Joel

[@wildlifegardener-tracey6206]

Incredible job against such adversity. I did wonder how you'd overcome the water rising. John is going to have a fabulous place to sit and watch the pond develop. Great job.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Tracey, it's much easier when editing it in the warm and dry, but I've had a few jobs with water-table "issues" and this one certainly worked with John and Craig's help, what a brilliant team and there will be many more projects from this year uploaded over the winter :) Hope you and the family are well - best wishes, Joel

[@kevinking7860]

Thanks

[@kevinking7860]

That rain was a pain Excellent job Im so looking forward to seeing this in the Spring Another Wild life Winner Legend !!!!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Kevin once again for your generosity, it really does help justify all the time filming during client works, the editing and everything else and I always appreciate what you do for me, and the encouragement and support. Can't wait to meet up soon, works booked into the New Year but let's arrange a get together in springtime so I can come and see all the brilliant volunteering you and your team do to help our wildlife :) Hope you had a good weekend, and very best wishes - Joel

[@kevinking7860]

Always welcome Joel I will let the orange tips know 😂

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@kevinking7860Appreciated!

[@christinplummer9745]

Wow what a transformation an experience in all that rain ! Your videos an motivation are unlike anything I have ever seen. America here an I just love the work you do.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Christin, thanks so much, I really appreciate this - particularly after another Monday in the pouring rain! It's so good to know we have viewers from the USA too, I really hope to do more videos to include native plants from your areas and how habitat can be improved worldwide. Very best wishes, Joel

[@mkats5102]

What an amazing project even though the weather was a bit challenging! I am sure it will be fantastic next summer! Great that John could help out!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks so much, despite the weather it was a really good job to be on and great having John with me to help out - another update to come in Spring, in the meantime lots of other videos coming too. Best wishes, and thanks for the support - Joel

[@matildanilsson2582]

Great video! Can’t wait for a follow up!😄

[@garethsmith6998]

A cracking video as always !! God bless the good old British weather , but you got it done ! Brilliant effort !! Oh and Rocky was a star !

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Gareth, really appreciate your support - in Wales on a huge project again for the next few weeks and Wales and rain seem to go hand-in-hand.... still filming it all for you though :) Very best wishes - Joel

[@geo.m1639]

Great video

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you, really appreciate it :) Best wishes, Joel

[@blue2mato312]

Wonderful to see a new full length video of making a pond! Though I don’t envy you the weather and mud, it looked great in the end. I wouldn’t have made it without slipping and throwing my back out I think, risky buisness. Looking forward to the spring update 🌱

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you, just catching up with comments now and I need to say a HUGE THANK YOU for your very generous donation to the unfortunate lady's pond and garden make-over. Hoping to bring updates on that soon. Thank you for everything and all the support you've shown in particular, it doesn't go unnoticed. Very best wishes, Joel

[@janiedunn637]

☺️ looking forward to seeing it next Spring. 🌺

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Me too Janie :) Hope you and yours are well - Joel

[@janiedunn637]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Yesterday I came across mown grass about 10mins walk from my 🏠. Grassy areas near the cemetery 🪦. Hardly any length at all. Barmy North Ayrshire Council

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@janiedunn637I'm not lying or exaggerating when I say my neighbour, in between the rain showers, mowed their lawn THREE times last week.

[@janiedunn637]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton oh my goodness 😆

[@flowerfairy1950]

That was awesome. What a job! Cannot wait for update. Wonderful. 👍👏 😍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you :) Absolutely can't wait to revisit this project - there are lots that I need to update and of course it's ongoing as I move around the country but so glad you enjoyed this. Really appreciate the support and encouragement, best wishes - Joel

[@paulwheeldon3487]

Brilliant video, one of your best! You earned your crust on that one. Diolch. Thanks.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks so much, needless to say it went smoothly and on time with the client John's help, can't wait to return and show everyone the updates on what will be an absolute oasis for so much wildlife. Really appreciate your kind words and support, best wishes - Joel

[@charlotteseden9303]

Awesome Joel. You and your team did a great job. I love that we saw the whole thing from beginning to end. 😄

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Charlotte, I'll be returning in spring but there are a whole lot more of these videos to come, I'm revisiting clients when I'm near to them (I work all over the country so it's difficult to do updates within a few weeks as I then move onto other projects) and I'm going to be bringing everyone more of these videos. Hope you and yours are doing fine - best wishes as always - Joel

[@charlotteseden9303]

Thanks Joel. I’m looking forward to see everything. Take care😊

[@matthewgardiner6793]

Hi Joel,greetings from NZ….thanks for sharing another great video,Us Lot 😃look forward to your postings,thanks Joel

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Matthew, thanks so much "you lot in New Zealand!" - haha. I really appreciate it, lots more to come and I'll be back for many updates early next year on projects completed in 2023 (and 2022, 2021 etc etc!). Hope you've had a good weekend, best wishes as always - Joel

[@ChopsyMiche]

Wow that looks absolutely spectacular. What an incredible transformation. It was so lovely to watch this unfold and become something so beautiful so quickly. I imagined it with all the stunning wildflowers growing and nodding along gently to a small breeze. All those colours awakening one's soul. And all of the birds visiting to drink and bathe, all the treasured pollinators, and all the wonderful wildlife that will make its home in and around the pond💚.. Oh so heavenly. Can't wait to see it next year. Until next time, thank you🌻

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Miche! Thanks for this, I'm so glad that you're easily able to imagine it next year in spring and moving forwards, it will no doubt help a lot over the winter for drinking and bathing birds but there will be many grateful creatures utilising it in spring and onwards, no doubt at all. I'll definitely be visiting John and his family (and Rocky!) again next year, along with lots of other projects that I'll be bringing updates on. Thanks once again for all your support and encouragement - best wishes, Joel

[@karlitobergkamp8082]

well done to you Joel and the team to keep going through those conditions and come out the other side with such a great wildlife pond just proves how efficient you guys are, I look forward to you revisiting and showing us the results of all that hard work put in and to hopefully have some footage of what’s made a home there 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I can't not go back to this one... just to see Rocky again! It was a great job and so much nicer to watch it back than be in all that rain of course, but I couldn't fault John for his helpfulness and determination and Craig's help too. Working outside most of his life has certainly paid dividends for John and I can't wait to see him and the family again, and certainly will be bringing an update or two - along with many other projects. Thanks once again for your continued support and encouragement, it really does make a difference. Best wishes, Joel

[@UkAmphibians]

Wow what an Amazing pond build joel loved the full video mate 🐸💚🐸 you need to give john a job too he never stopped all way through the project well done 🐸💚🐸

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you - so good to watch it back in the dry! Along with many others I'll be revisiting next year as I really want to see how this develops and of course bring tales and footage of all the grateful creatures. Hope you had a good weekend, catch up real soon - Joel

[@UkAmphibians]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thanks Joel hope you and the family had a great weekend too 🐸💚🐸

[@garyfield7220]

Top video, in challenging conditions. John’s hands on enthusiasm to help with the project is great to see.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Gary, really appreciated :) Yes, John was not afraid of hard work and so keen to get this vital habitat created, despite the less than ideal working conditions. Very best wishes - Joel

[@fruit1958]

Fantastic job Joel and John in very soggy conditions look forward to seeing it in May June next year! Shame you couldn’t keep harvest all that rain to fill the pond 😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there! Thanks so much, it certainly turned out better than I imagined at one point, but John stepping in and helping ensure this project stayed on track, despite the weather, really was more than helpful! Can't wait to return in spring and bring you all an update :) Best wishes, Joel

[@andycornish9704]

fantastic job especially in them conditions

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Andy, so much. In Wales on another project already now and I think Wales and rain have a special relationship... so wish me luck! I'll be filming everything, as usual and bringing lots more projects to you all. Really appreciate your support - best wishes, Joel

[@lyndalambert9639]

I feel for all concerned getting this wonderful project completed and I for one feel exhausted just watching !😂Well done to you all and the dog😍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hello Lyn! Thank you, it's not as exhausting editing and watching it back as it was during the works, it's a wonderful sense of achievement and can't wait to visit again and bring everyone updates and of course to see dear Rocky again :) Seriously, if you get a chance then do see my friend David Crossley's youtube channel, such wonderfully relaxing videos and he's taught me a lot, not just about wildlife gardening but about life. You'll enjoy every moment. Hope you've had a good weekend, very best wishes as always - Joel

[@DeborahPinder-f5t]

Hi Joel, loved the post, so interesting to see the whole process. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to seeing how it looks in the Spring

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Debbie! Good to hear from you, and glad that you enjoyed this, I can't wait for spring (for many reasons right now!) and going back to see this in it's full glory, will be bringing updates on this and many other projects - thanks for all your support, best wishes - Joel

[@MarkyBigSmoke]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching this one Joel! Must say you did brilliantly in the rain. I know you’d never use Astro turf. Well done!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey Mark! So good to hear from you, I've not forgotten about coming to see you and your pond, time has just been so tight with the weather playing havoc with keeping a lot of projects on track so we've been working 6 days on occasion just to ensure we keep up. Can't believe it's November already :/ Hope you and yours are keeping well, best wishes as always - Joel

[@MarkyBigSmoke]

Thanks Joel, yes, it must be so busy for you and the whole team! Don’t worry, it’s fun watching your adventures! The new website looks great! My allotment pond is packed with plant and wildlife. Sadly no amphibians yet! It’s a bit tricky for them to get an urban allotment! All the best!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@MarkyBigSmoke Thanks Mark, if you fancy joining the team (outdoors!) we could no doubt do with some help (paid!). Thanks also re the website, it's been very hard work and time consuming but I want it right and want to keep ensuring everything I use in my own projects is also available to everyone else, in one place! The amphibians will find your pond, I'm sure they will. Keep in touch - new email: [e-mail] - best wishes, Joel

[@MarkyBigSmoke]

That’s a very generous offer thanks Joel! If you’re ever in the Essex / north east London area and you need some help let me know. Making the materials available that you use is a great idea! All the best

[@joannecraft-lane8660]

Fantastic transformation!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Joanne - more of these to come, it takes so long to edit them and upload, but there are so many more to bring you all. Coming soon, as they say! Best wishes, Joel

[@georgeasgautr]

Another great video, Joel, thanks so much. I discovered your channel last week and have gotten into a routine of starting the day off with one of your videos and a cuppa. Really lifts the spirits. Also, Ive built a mini wildlife pond using an old sink which I was planning on doing for a while but was unsure where to start. The knowledge gained from your channel is what empowered me to go ahead and do it with confidence that it will thrive. Cheers and keep it up 😁👍🏻

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there George - thanks so much for this, encouragement and support like yours makes all this effort worthwhile, believe me. It does take up extra time to film and produce the videos when of course I could be working and finishing the projects quicker, but I decided that by starting this channel and encouraging others then there would be more and more habitats created for our creatures so desperately in need - and who could complain about that? I really do appreciate it. Very best wishes to you and yours - Joel

[@SisterDogmata]

Hey Joel! Not the best weather for creating a pond but how amazing it looks! I'm sure it will be teeming with wildlife in spring. Loved the covert sowing of the seeds in the lawn I bet you couldn't resist. You do realise Rocky was the star of the star of the video? Haha! Hope you and yours all well, best wishes.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey! Yes, Rocky certainly was the star and I can't wait to go back and see him (and the project!) in spring when this will look so different again, as you already know :) Will definitely be revisiting this one and bringing updates, along with a lot of the other projects from this year and previous years. We're all doing good, lots of work on the new Wild Your Garden website recently so we've all been pushed a bit but we're keeping above water (well, indoors we are!) best wishes - Joel

[@ronroelevink7097]

Looking forward to see how it looks like at this moment...😀

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey Ronnie, the client has been sending me photos but when I was last in the area they were away on holiday - I will do a catch up on this for sure though. Meantime, tonight's video might give you a good idea :) Hope you've had a good weekend, best wishes as always - Joel

[@ronroelevink7097]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton I've been watching, minutes ago 👍. Hope you had a more quiet weekend this time. Best wishes to you too, from the extremely beautiful Morvan 😃 ( saw golden oriole male and heard female today, and , from a distance the hoopoo too)

[@EnglishMadeleine]

Mother Nature eh? You can’t beat her 😂 but you did the absolute best that anyone could do, and I’m sure it’ll look fabulous in time. 😍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

🤣you're very right Madeleine! Wales these next few weeks and of course more rain forecast, but that's Wales for you I guess. I'll certainly be returning to this project too, so many updates to bring you but this one will mean I get to meet Rocky again - best wishes, Joel

[@CheshireCat6639]

Really enjoyed this video....job well done guys...ty for sharing🏡🎉

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you - sorry again for the delay here - but I really appreciate the encouragement and support - can't wait to revisit in spring. Best wishes, Joel

[@normancoutts]

Great job - will look great in the new season ahead I am sure.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey Norman, great to hear from you - sorry for the delay in acknowledging you but with circa 200 videos on the channel, trying to keep up with everyone is a little difficult. Thanks ever so much re this video, I'll be returning in spring to bring updates to you all. Hope you and yours are well, best wishes as always - Joel

[@restorationlandscape61]

Great video and job well done! Keep it up.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you! Your support and encouragement makes a huge difference and I'm very grateful. Another transformation coming tomorrow night - hope to see you here again :) Best wishes, Joel

[@Rocky25908]

If you build it they will come….. can’t wait to see the wildlife arrive! It was great to see the video even though I was right there with you, well done with the editing 😅! I thoroughly enjoyed working on the transformation with you and also Craig. You did a marvellous job in difficult conditions, though the tea and cake may have helped 😂! I shall look forward to welcoming you back as the area establishes over time. Rocky will be pleased to see you😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Provide cake... and I will come! 🤣 It really was an absolute pleasure working for you - and having you work for me (!). I think meeting Rocky even beat the cake to be fair and I can't wait to come back and see you all, let alone the pond and beautiful meadow surround that awaits you. Take good care both and I'll keep in touch. Very best wishes, as always - Joel

[@D-H-D]

Hi Joel, love these videos. Two things; how do you manage or design the overflow? And secondly, if ever you and the Viking need a third man I too have a ginger beard! Great work gents. Dan

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Dan! Any overflow with these natural ponds, with the soil edges etc means that overflow will seep into the surrounding area and not cause any problems (I hope this is what you were asking!). All ponds can overflow of course which is why I nearly always have planting around the edge and longer grassy areas. If you're serious, there's never too many ginger beards on any project, so if you would like to help out or join us then send me your details to [e-mail] and whichever area you're living in I could be there at some point! Very best wishes, Joel

[@vikinggardencreations]

Ha ha, great comment Dan. It’s all about the ginger beard 🧔‍♂️ All the best Craig

[@melissagibson4364]

Haha it’s been raining here all week too! Southeast Alaska, nearly the same latitude and climate as the UK

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey Melissa - I'm in Wales now, and it's torrential every day, but it's renowned for that I guess, doesn't help with keeping the project on track though. I'm guessing Alaska might be a little colder than here in the winter, but what a beautiful place to live - very best wishes, Joel

[@klb1165]

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Really enjoyed the video Joel. Thanks for making it. This may be a stupid question, but do you need to make a plan for the pond potentially overflowing? With such a large area and the heavy rain we're having, could happen. I'll be using your site to buy the kit for a pond in the spring. Cheers, Kevin

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Kevin, I've never had an issue with any ponds overflowing, they will seep water over the edge during any heavy downpours but ensuring the edges are packed with wildflowers, plants etc and of course the surrounding meadow with this one, there is a lot of permeability. To be fair, in heavy rain you will get some overflow with any water body but ensuring the edges are done right can help combat it - drop me a line at [e-mail] when you're ready and I'll certainly help with quantities, sizing etc of products so that you don't over-order and over-spend! Thanks ever so much for the support, it's appreciated. Best wishes, Joel

[@klb1165]

Cheers Joel, Thanks for taking the time to reply. I will contact you nearer the time@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton

[@outoftownr3906]

Wow looks amazing well done guys. Did you sow annual cornfield mix & perennial wildflower seed together for colour in the first growing season? Great that the client got stuck in too. Look forward to seeing the follow ups.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you - yes a mixture to ensure colour and of course longevity, same with the pond - can't wait to revisit next year to see everything in it's full glory. The pond of course will be vital to a lot of wildlife over winter but there's something about spring... :) Very best wishes, Joel

[@davidcobb8422]

Brilliant video Joel what you & your team have achieved considering the weather it is going to look fabulous next year going by what you did in my little garden last year. PS Just watching this video has knackered me 😂...

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I'm coming for you soon! I wish it wasn't so busy, even at this time of year, but let's ensure I revisit in Spring and see how that beautiful and very useful garden is doing. Thanks always for the support and encouragement you show, it really does make a difference to me. It tired me out too just editing it! Best wishes, Joel

[@davidcobb8422]

Hi Joel look forward to it...

[@Aesroc]

Awesome video, what a project. On the subject of high water tables, my subsoil is sticky grey clay, doesn’t drain very well, also has a high water table. I’m planning on a wildlife pond, but what can I use as the subsoil to line the pond? I take it sticky clay wouldn’t work? Thanks

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey Marc, send a few photos to me at [e-mail] - I'll let you know if it's suitable and will have a remedy for you if not :) Thanks for the kind words re the video, everyone's support and encouragement makes this all so worthwhile. Very best wishes, Joel

[@dcvariousvids8082]

Seemingly no need for a hose. But I dare say you need to control the water level through the construction.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Absolutely this, it was quite a fight to get the liner in when it was filling up from above AND below! But we managed it, and I'm so grateful for John's help with this - hope you and yours are well, best wishes - Joel

[@titiaswildlifecottagegarden]

Wonderful video to watch❤ I recognise the water table issue. I'm experiencing it with our own pond, which isn't fully dug out yet. It's almost filled up to the top and aside from not having a pump, I don't know what to do. Maybe wait for winter or spring to continue digging and finishing?

[@wibblewobble489]

Why not add a clay liner using natural clay and jsut let it be what it is? If the water table is that high why fight it and use a liner at all? Use a natural clay liner maybe or just let it be what it is... Let the water table 'talk to it' and keep the level it wants to and design according to what nature wants to do.

[@David_R434]

Great video. Was wondering if this time of year is a good time to build a wildlife pond.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there David, thank you :) Any time is good to build a pond, but obviously the rains can prevent works progressing, depths of winter aren't kind either but we try to do this all year and then return to plant up more when the dormant plants are awake again in spring. If you need anything, drop me a line at [e-mail] - best wishes, Joel

[@David_R434]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks Joel, will do.

[@Infan14]

Looks stunning! I'm planning on doing something similiar in my garden next year. Maybe I missed it in the video, but did you make some kind of overflow drain? Or will the water just self-regulate by running of the sides of the pond?

[@snigwithasword1284]

How permeable is the liner? I suppose roots will slowly make it more permeable? Not sure how big a concern drought is in your climate, and not sure how much a pond this size could really boost a water table and keep nearby plants thriving... Prolly still better than running a sprinkler tho!

[@richardrozzeofficial]

Hi Joel. Very inspiring videos...I have built a wildlife pond (4.3m x 3.5 m) and have added subsoil. Could you give any advice on wicking please? Are wildlife ponds supposed to fluctuate in depth or should we be regularly topping them up? Mine is loosing water at a fairly rapid rate...leaving a nice boggy area but one which will inevitably dry up in summer!

[@deborahflello2316]

🥰

[@CommieG]

I've seen some places say that you shouldn't use limestone in a pond due to the risk of it leaking into the water and changing the PH. How much of a concern is this?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there - yes, I've heard this now and again but it's down to age and weathering I believe and this is definitely aged and weathered from the old farm buildings etc. I've used it many times before and it's not made a difference to the outcome. Hope this helps, very best wishes - Joel

[@CommieG]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton good to know, cheers

[@leesapollo]

Do you reckon I could use bentonite clay instead of pond liner to hold water in a small pond?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there - it really does depend on size with bentonite - it's usually only available in large quantities for lakes etc - you can buy the puddling clay loose I believe but of course that means a lot of labour and it's not the easiest to work with. The liner I use in all my projects and that is available on www.wildyourgarden.com is made from 100% recycled tyres and guaranteed for life. Hope this helps - best wishes, Joel

[@SIC647]

How come you lined the pond when there seem to be naturally high ground water level?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there - because it won't be the same height in summer and wouldn't hold enough water - hope this helps, best wishes - Joel

[@cavendish009]

You have just started this project and I hope you are going to have a lot of area outside the pond for the wildlife to get out and hide in ?? If there are cats in your area they kill frogs so they need to be able to hide and get away from them ??!!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there, I've been making ponds for 18 years now and definitely ensure that there is suitable, and more importantly native, habitat surrounding all the ponds I construct. It's not shown in this video of course but native (and suitable for the ground) wildflowers will surround this pond from May onwards. If you wanted to see how the ponds mature you can see a few of the many ponds created this way and how they look a few weeks later: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHiUqGqDis2bjtU Best wishes, Joel

[@wibblewobble489]

I'm an aussie and have so many questons. Like 1- what happens when it overflows? RIP their neighbours or anyone down hill. Why didn't you add an overflow feeding back to the stormwater (pretty sure its mandatory here- but then again, so is fencing any body of water deeper than 10cm. Needs certified and yrly inspected by the local council pool fencing) 2- Will it freeze solid? 3- Whats stopping mozzies and other natural pests breeding in it (because its not moving or flowing at all) and the entire thing going septic in heat with no filtration or contact with the natural environment to create a self sustaining ecosystem. 4- Why not just dig down to the water table and use that as the level and not use a liner at all? Would you lose all the water cos the table level is that much lower? Hope the owners don't intend on adding fish :/

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there, it seems there are totally different rules in the UK to Australia, no doubt due to different environment, climate etc. You could say about over-flowing with any pond after heavy rains but having the meadow surround and natural planting (no baskets are used) means that the surrounds and individual plants soak up any excess water. It won't freeze solid in the UK, not at this depth, you'll get a layer of ice same as with any other water body of this size. Bats, amphibians, larger insects (dragonflies etc) and birds will all feast on any mosquitoes and their larvae - that's why they're wildlife ponds and built to encourage all wildlife. The ponds I build don't need artificial filtration or pumps, the native plant set ups ensure that these stay clear - that's the speciality here. I don't recommend fish in wildlife ponds, not only do they harm the set up for wildlife, but they add nutrient - hence there being the need for such expensive koi set-ups to keep water looking clear and clean. Hope this helps - Joel

[@iansymonds9144]

Thanks

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Ian - thank you so very much for this, it's highly appreciated and really does help towards camera equipment and lost work hours to bring these videos to you all - very grateful. Best wishes, Joel