How to create a barrel pond for wildlife | WWT

Adding water to your outdoor space is one of the most important things you can do for wildlife. It is vital habitat for wetland wildlife like frogs and dragonflies. Creating a barrel pond is one of the easiest, most accessible ways to bring wildlife to your space as you only need a small bit of hard standing land. It’s also great for many species of garden plant, insect, bird and mammal.
We used lot of plants in this barrel pond to show variety. You don’t need to use that many - 3 plants would be absolutely fine for a barrel pond and allows more room for each to grow bigger. Try to pick one with flowing leaves for shade and cover, one with emerging vertical stems, and one with plenty of leaves under the water to oxygenate the water and provide habitat below the surface.
Here are some details of the native plants we have used:
Mare’s Tail, also known as bottle brush (Hippuris vulgaris) - evergreen and a good oxygenator. Can be planted at a range of depths in the pond.
Bog bean (Menyanthes trifoliata) - a shallow water marginal pond plant with starry white flowers in May and June. Cut back after flowering.
Lesser spearwort (Ranunculus flammula) - features spear-shaped leaves and pretty yellow flowers in summer. It can cause skin irritation, so wear gloves when handling.
Yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) - an iconic yellow-flowered wetland plant great for damselfly and dragonfly nymphs to climb out from the pond onto, just before they transform into their adult form. Grows vigorously, so keep in the basket and be prepared to thin back when it gets established. Wear gloves to handle.
Common rush (Juncus effusus) - clumps of bright green vertical flowering stems with brown flowers.
Common water-plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica) - has delicate pinkish white flowers, which tower above the leafy foliage.
Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) - aromatic minty leaves and nectar and pollen rich lilac flowers make this an appealing addition to a pond for humans and wildlife. Spreads easily, so cut back after flowering.
Water forget-me-not (Myosotis palustris) - sprays of small sky-blue flowers with yellow centres draw the eye above water but below the surface, newts may use the leave to wrap their eggs in!
Native water Lilly (Nyphaea alba) - floating leaves are the perfect landing and drinking places for insects such as bees, a great spot for a frog, and they shade the water beneath, discouraging algae bloom.
For full instructions and more gardening for wildlife ideas, visit WWT's website at www.wwt.org.uk...

[@takamatsuiki]

Two ideas about mosquitoes (for USA folks): 1) get a solar-powered water pump to create movement in the water (you could even fashion it as a tiny waterfall over the rocks) and this should generally prohibit the mosquitoes from being able to lay eggs. This will alter the ecosystem of the pond, so you'll have a different kind of habitat and different creatures drawn to it than if it were still water. 2) I have heard that some people keep small fish in such ponds, and I suppose if you have both fish and amphibians coming around, it should pretty much control the mosquito population. Maybe someone here knows what kinds of fish would be appropriate for a tiny pond? I don't know. However you do it, look to what nature does itself in ponds or streams, and think about your pond as a mini ecosystem that should self-manage as nature does. Now, the only issue with all of this of course, is that some municipalities in the USA make it illegal both to keep standing water or to collect rain water. Those laws need to be updated!

[@norinickrrostron9001]

Illegal to collect rainwater...what’s the reasoning behind that..? Is it purely to stop people from utilizing something that’s free..?

[@EH-vzzy]

Thanks for the advice! Nice to hear other ideas! Such a shame about the silly laws around rain water collection

[@TheRLDoggo]

Rice fish

[@chrisrusso4512]

If legal, trap some small fish from a local pond

[@kmsch986]

@@norinickrrostron9001 water rights in some areas are managed closely because surface water used for irrigation. For example, I had a farm with irrigation rights I paid 20,000 dollars for and the water came on to my property through a ditch and drained into a retention pond we then pumped out of. My new neighbor didn’t understand the law, dug a trench and dam diverting it on to his property and I had to explain he couldn’t do that. The water collected into the main reservoir farmers use comes from rain water so some states have limits on the amount of rain water private owners can collect on their property, in Colorado I think it is 110 gallon for most households, unless you own a separate water right (almost like a mineral right) . We had people trying to buy ours or lease ours all the time.

[@Me-ei8yd]

TIP: Place this is a shady or paritally shady location if you are in zone 7 or more. It'll become a bathtub in the summer if not (cooking all occupants)

[@theropesofrenovation9352]

So true in 9B

[@kazihabiurrahman3543]

im in the uk i wanted to put it on my roofed deck which recieves 6 hours sunshine is this a good idea or not? obv as it is under a roof it wont get rainwater

[@rebeccahenderson7761]

Excellent vid to encourage people to help wildlife in any way that can! It's up to each and everyone of us to do all we can.

[@fabled-pilgrim]

Beautiful project, very concise, all in under 10 minutes ... the perfect video for beginners like myself. 😊

[@rollandjoeseph]

Yea, no..many trips for the supplies and time for placement of the items..a few day project at least

[@evecampbell7744]

Thank you! I’m going to do this for the wildlife. I love to hear the frogs and toads in the summer!

[@moodygirl609]

Thanks for all this good information. I'm going to attempt to do something like this with my clawfoot bathtub that I've put against the house between two fig trees. Wish me luck.

[@wwtorguk]

Let us know how it goes!

[@lizzyanthus1]

You're so lucky to have a claw foot bathtub! I would absolutely love to come across one some day! Hope your pond in it turns out awesome! And thank you for reminding me to keep a look out for one! 😁

[@Tradewindsvintagehi]

We are prone to mosquitoes here in Hawai’i. I’d need to move the water and have guppies to eat the larvae.

[@mcherry9831]

Just use mosquito dunks

[@lizzyanthus1]

I love your little wildlife pond! And what a gorgeous and serene setting you have found to place it in. I've subscribed. 😁 Thank you so much for this one!

[@wwtorguk]

Thank you and thank you for subscribing!

[@satyanarayanaization]

Very nicely done and the commentary is great Superb

[@scantrahan]

Fantastic and inspiring video; I'm putting a barrel pond on my balcony for all the birds and bees that enjoy the flowers in our apartment garden

[@DJ_Dutchess]

Lovey video! Thank you for the tips ! 🐸💧🪴

[@sikosis999]

the addition of water movement in the form of a 'waterfall' or sprinkler even a small aquarium bubbler set up along with a dedicated biomass filter will make that attract the kind of animals you want versus pest :)

[@KristinaKunz-v1p]

Thank you so much for sharing this, it's beautiful

[@GardeningandMyDailyLife]

Khu vườn của bạn thật nhiều bóng mát 👍👍👍.

[@patricialefebvre7694]

Magnifique👍💖 vous avez beaucoup de talent Monsieur

[@irvingg71]

Pretty cool. I’ve been looking for a small project like this to do with my mom. Thanks!

[@interestingtidbits2435]

Excellent ideas. I didn't really want to be digging, etc. Thank you!

[@RavinderApril]

Beautiful mini pond..

[@amandaglennie3486]

Lovely video😊

[@veryimportantperson3657]

lovely, informative tutorial. thank you.

[@bushcat274]

Perfect and succinct. Very calm and well delivered. Cheers!

[@WildWoodlandsSW]

Makes a great little pond. I've already got a couple of ponds,but this will be great for a smaller 'satellite' pond closeby,for viewing. Thankyou,look forward to more.

[@meadow-maker]

great video and you covered all the points. I've got quite a few pond pots and bigger pond. The frogs and toads use both but the newts only use the pond. I never get frog spawn but I'm quite happy about that. I'd have trouble going into the garden with a carpet of little frog and toadlets. I remember when I dug my big pond. I had dragon flies laying eggs before I'd even finished. I tried to remember the turves they'd laid on and put those at the side of the pond. My neighbours got a big pond too but there's still always a queue of blackbirds in winter to use my pond. I really mean a queue of them too. They really do take their turn. Looks great with the sun behind.

[@Lynn_Nice]

That's funny. I wonder if my 5 hens would que to check for feeder fish. 😂

[@Eindkaas]

Great video and very well presented. I even think this is the best one out there, for starting a mini pond without filter and fish. I am going to make a 75L pond that sits between the patio and veggie garden. I'm going to use a couple of edible plants as well like watercress and -mint. If all goes well maybe I'll even try to add Japanese rice fish next spring. Anyways, thanks a bunch!

[@wwtorguk]

That sounds great, please do let us know how you get on!

[@JamesRattray]

Just what I was looking for as we embark on wilding our garden for nature. We need to put water in to the garden for wildlife, this will be our first water, later we plan to create a larger water area or mini wetland, may be later this year by the time we get to create it. My only comment on your excellent video is, would it also be an idea for a ramp from the pond water to the edge. Water levels can drop and possibly wildlife can be trapped, unable to haul themselves out. Having said that they might be able to do this from the plants in the tub. I know you will do a daily check of water levels, I am not sure if I would trust myself to be so diligent. Thank you for an excellent video, keep them coming.

[@wwtorguk]

Hi James, thanks for the positive review! If you check back to our final shot of the barrel pond from 07:40, we placed a rock that leans on the back edge of the barrel to allow wildlife to exit. Let us know on our socials how you get on with creating yours - we'd love to see it.

[@xjAlbert]

Gorgeous and wonderful in every way!

[@TheCornishCottageGarden-bs5lf]

Gonna get on this tomorrow!

[@mfernandinigaffney]

Thank you for sharing how to make a wildlife container pond. It was very useful to me. Marisol, Greetings from Hamilton, Virginia, USA.

[@sherynmarsden9917]

Thank you so very much for sharing this, I am very inspired to make a habitat pond ❤

[@missdimples1982]

I love this, great if you have a small space

[@darkshireaquatics]

awesome video✌✌

[@georgeobrientheroninrealto2693]

You are a Real natural at making these videos...great job,

[@sarahgilligan811]

Wow this is such a helpful video, I can’t wait to start building my own pond!

[@dunbardunelm3924]

Gorgeous garden and now, with a beautiful new feature 🤩🥰✨🥹

[@velvetindigonight]

Fabulous and inspiring... Thank you

[@margaretpearson7493]

Thank you that’s the best advice ever on a wildlife pond

[@gaiazacchi6896]

finalmente un video che spiega veramente come fare un mini stagno ! grazie !!!!

[@wwtorguk]

No problem!

[@Avectwigg]

Thank you! - very relaxing to watch

[@wonderingstarz]

Thank you for posting this! Hugz

[@Jon.Alexander]

Great looking barrel - thanks for the video!

[@DeiseRebel]

Thank you, saved me digging, I have a ceramic pot and was thinking of digging a hole to fit it but this has given me the idea of where to put it and have it free standing, good idea with the logs for entry and exit to the pond. I have play sand lying around doing nothing so this will be used and the rocks out of the water a little is an idea I have seen and it's great. Anyone with a fish tank I think this water would be good to use plus I have Duckweed in my fish tank I'm going to try use this also. Subscribed :-)

[@wwtorguk]

Great to hear you have been inspired! Let us know how it goes.

[@DeiseRebel]

@@wwtorguk Sure will 🙂

[@DeiseRebel]

@@wwtorguk Pond went well enough I think 🤔 Water is a bit cloudy but looks good, put stones and logs on with play sand substrate and white marble stones with some branches and a wood 🪵 ramp, I’ll get pond plants soon also. Let the fun begin :-)

[@philmccavity]

I learned a ton here, thank you so much

[@frankiecooke501]

What a great video, thank you. I really want to do this in our garden in the Sw of England. Please could you privide some advice on the type of barrel? There seems to be so many and I worry about previous uses and if I need a liner. I'm on quite a budget though.

[@wwtorguk]

Hi there, thanks for your question. Any barrel that hasn't been used to hold harmful chemicals will be OK. Old alcohol barrel is ideal but you can purchase others. We were lucky to find a good barrel which held water straight away. If using a barrel where the wood has been allowed to dry out and shrink you can try soaking it and it may swell back and seal. If not then you can always use a rubber or plastic liner stapled to the inside - fill with water before cutting off the excess liner to let it conform to the shape of the barrel. Good luck!

[@kerrykirk2515]

Came here for the liner question, I have a barrel my partner bought me before he passed, it's been almost 10yr and well IV done some sketching of what I see in my minds eye, wrote a checklist and hoping that it swells, IV got a solar powered fountain for the birds to play in so we may be well to get one for the barrel too, have rocks for stepping stones, even a bucket to pop within, but on it's side so theres somewhere to hide, however, I dont fancy the plastic liner at all. After years of imagining the outcome I think maybe it is time to create this haven we both wanted for his birthday in August, (anniversary is too late in the year).

[@chelmsford6774]

Simply lovely!

[@davidphilion1432]

Thanks for the great video I'm going to copy the idea.

[@tobywiddop4817]

Thats my next garden project. Thanks.

[@mohammadalrabiah5300]

Awesome 😎

[@christinatso3783]

Well done, Mr.

[@yashtapase3821]

Please add guppies (fish) They will create small surface agitation by looking for food on surface of the water and the birds get attract to moving water than standing because moving water surface gives them a reflection of the sunlight directly to the eyes so they will find easily 😀 I experienced that

[@peaseblossom4252]

Beautiful! I really want to do this, but worry about all the neighborhood cats using it as an easy place to ambush prey, especially birds visiting. 😢. And also not sure what to do with it during winter (Northern Utah so it would freeze solid I’m guessing, and kill larvae/eggs of the insects I’m hoping to provide habitat for). I’ll keep researching.

[@gilliancruise-johnston947]

What a wonderful resource! I am in the process of creating a wildlife pond and found this really helpful. It would be great to have the names of the plants you used. 😊

[@wwtorguk]

Glad it was helpful! Take a look at the video description for the plant names. Do let us know how you get on with your wildlife pond build.

[@conniewojahn6445]

Nice. Thank you.

[@chrisrusso4512]

If legal, gather some pond water and dead leaves from the bottom, even some muck and sand. Add it to your pond

[@runefagereng6023]

Brilliant and inspiring! Thanks.

[@mgran358]

Beautiful

[@jranger63]

Great little video full of all info you need wildlife ponds for dummies 😊

[@artkryss496]

thanks! it was very inspiring

[@user-bu9nb8wr6e]

I really enjoyed that, thank you.

[@deborahminter6231]

Beautiful!

[@lizzypitts7797]

Fantastic video, really helpful

[@B30pt87]

Lovely!

[@lindastclaire6667]

How fun! Thank you for this.

[@PanarchyInTheUK]

Inspirational! I live in southern Spain, about 650 metres above sea level in a small village. Very hot dry summers, but enough rain through Feb-April to keep the countryside fairly green for most of the year. Rarely if ever drops below freezing in winter. I'd love to install something like this in my small garden, and I'm wondering about the partial sun recommendation, because here of course the sun can really heat up water. My garden is south and west facing, so it can be a challenge to find cool, shady spots. If anyone has any experience of making a barrel pond in a hot zone I'd love to hear your thoughts! TIA.

[@martasarber7133]

Oh, I love this. Can you put little fish in there? Thank you for showing us how to make it.

[@thelittlethingsinlife239]

Great looking barrel 👌

[@debradevine3949]

Amazing! ❤️🤩🤩

[@ChinCookBook]

so nice videos ❤

[@sweetpeanmolly]

We have an established bathtub collecting rainwater. I’m wondering if I can incorporate the baskets of plants into it without the muddy results? Also thank you for this beautiful video! What a kind and gentle soul you are 🙏🙏🙏

[@wwtorguk]

Hi there, you might get a little mud, but hopefully a whole lot more wildlife! You might be interested in our drainpipe wetland build kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqvYeGODhdtsj6s

[@TH-eb5ro]

I have a small pond, maybe 20 gallons as part of my NWF backyard wildlife habitat certification in MI and a much larger one on a city patio in TN. Both are self-sufficient ecosystems. The one in MI gets fouled more because of critters stopping by. Both locations 'mosquito minnows' (gambusa minnows) are free from the county health department vector control (similar/different name based on location). Should the fish not survive a freeze I use mosquito dunks, 1/4 dunk for the larger pond until I can restock the fish. My Water Lilly is in a round bin from Dollar Tree and clay kitty litter. Duck weed is a good surface plant. See if you can attract dragon flies. I think it would do better in that long basket as it has nearly crossed the round container. Most places that do not allow rainwater collection is due to people allowing it to be sitting water or drinking. I'd call and ask for an exception to save to build a pond. I've done similar for a pond and in using my washer water for lawn care. I included my intentions and explanation, equipment, laundry cleaners in my request. The reason such things are not allowed is because humans were not responsible. If algae is a problem, the slimy type, use small barley bales off Amazon. In the large pond one lasts 6 months. My next goal is to get more native plants.

[@deirdredear]

I loved this video thank you

[@atticbrowser9698]

Very helpful thanks

[@hollybritton7255]

Love it!!! I imagine that the water shouldnt be too cold.

[@Gelp]

A wonderful and informative video, thank you! ❤ I've heard elsewhere you should have a ramp for wildlife to be able to get out from inside. You have an external ramp, and mentioned you thought the water level might go down a few inches, which surely would leave things trapped inside? Hopefully I've just misunderstood.

[@wwtorguk]

Hi, thanks for watching and raising this important point; we do have the large rocks both in the centre and back-edge of the barrel that touch the edge, and that edge itself is carved to be at the waterline height.

[@simonrose1598]

True - an empty container with smooth vertical sides is not great for amphibians or any small creature that falls in - we put plenty of rocks and things in ours so it shouldn't be a problem.

[@kellimitch2011]

Love the idea and love the Opinel

[@paulharvey2396]

thank you for this beautifully photographed and spoken video -- strange how I felt this was a holy information - it must be that the wetland core idea and reality goes back to the very dawn of creation, life began -- I wish we could build up a strong green movement worldwide to protect the whole planet more effectively thank you thank you

[@greeneileen]

Lovely! Thank you :)

[@627hjc]

hard to find those barrel halves in NZ for anything below $100, even with the huge wine industry here!

[@RitaReiss13]

I really like your channel. I came across it by accident and instantly subscribed. :D Too bad I don't have a garden. :( But maybe you have some tips on how to create best bird feeders on a balcony? I live in a city center but there are lots of birds. I would also like them to have water to drink, especially in the summer, but I'm afraid of mosquitoes colonizing my balcony. :D

[@wwtorguk]

Hey, thank you for subscribing. Completely understand not wanting to encourage mosquitoes, here in the UK they are less of an issue so barrel ponds such as this work a treat. If you want to add some water to your balcony though shallow dishes regularly topped up with water and cleaned, will be well used by the birds once they get used to it.

[@notme9976]

I'd give the whole family west nile virus a week after getting this set up in the back yard.

[@vaderladyl]

Put a fountain pump in it

[@jetv1471]

😂

[@moomoo3031]

dragonfly larva eat mosquito larva!

[@catherinemurphy873]

Lovely job 💯. Thanks 👍

[@corinneaggar9755]

Great information about soil, plants and especially for creatures getting in and out safely, have you got any ideas on what small fish can be kept in the barrel pond ? please, I have some shrimps and snails living in there and would like to see something swimming about if possible

[@kathydoyle1857]

Really enjoyed this video. Always wanted a little pond. I do have a question........ I know its an old barrel.... but it is old and you haven't used a pond liner for it. Why is that? Thanks

[@wwtorguk]

Hi there, great to hear you enjoyed our video. Many older barrels, especially those originally used for alcohol storage, are well-sealed. Most will likely leak a little, but topping up with rainwater sorts that.

[@terryf8078]

I did something similar last year, but had one or two issues, the main one being blanket weed. I have a powder solution to get rid of it, but just keeps coming back, swamping all the other plants and just looks a mess. I've even removed everything and started again, but same issue. Other problems - winds knocking high plants over (solved with bamboo canes holding pots in place), the metal rings outside have just corroded off, no idea how long it'll last), something eating the lily leaves, and pigeons eating any flower heads. These ponds are definitely not plug and play, they need a lot of maintenance unless I'm doing something wrong..?

[@wwtorguk]

Hi there, it sounds like you are doing everything right, any garden pond will need some maintenance. To tackle the blanket weed, try moving the pond to a shadier spot than it is currently in, and ensure no other excess nutrients are being left in, such as dead/rotting plant matter.

[@DogaAnsiklopedisi]

awesome job, thanks

[@christinehughes9267]

Hi! What a beautiful wee wildlife pond! I notice that you didn't use a pond liner? Are they necessary in a wine barrel...seems counter intuitive as they are designed to hold precious liquids!

[@wwtorguk]

Hi there, thanks for your question - we were lucky enough to find a good barrel which held water right away (6 months on and it's still full!). If using a barrel where the wood has been allowed to dry out and shrink, it might be less watertight; you can try soaking it and it may swell back and seal. If not then you can always use a rubber or plastic liner stapled to the inside - fill with water before cutting off the excess liner to let it conform to the shape of the barrel. Good luck!

[@christinehughes9267]

Thanks for replying! I did infact have a different problem- the water became very smelly after just a week. Not sure if I should empty it all out and start again? I am in NZ and it's a hot summer and we have water restrictions at the moment too. Maybe I need to wait until Spring?

[@JJLewin1]

Perfect

[@esthersanchez2264]

Wondering how often this size pond needs cleaning. Wound love to see how you go about doing that cleaning. ❤

[@wwtorguk]

Great idea, we'll try to do a video on that some time

[@WinchWen]

Ending up being a cesspit not a pond. Smell was horrible, plants either died or were dieing. Changed water frequently but to no avail. Maybe I should have lined. Mosquitoes or something similar appreciated the environment I created, hundreds of the blighters.

[@esthersanchez2264]

Thanks for sharing your unsatisfactory results . 😯 This video is probably better suited for the people who are experienced with small pond setups. Of course much more research is necessary. Best wishes on future attempts. ❤

[@wwtorguk]

Hi there, sorry to hear of this experience! Make sure the barrel is not in full sun and don't change the water - this will mean nutrient levels are always going up and down, enabling algae and bacteria to proliferate. A steady and constant water chemistry is necessary - and don't worry about small amounts of grime to begin with, once things settle down the water will clear up.

[@josefortunatotalayalopez2627]

Wonderful❤

[@Victoria-vd2li]

Watercress is a type of amphibious carnivorous plant. I have heard that it eats mosquito nymphs. I also know that mosquitoes need standing water to lay their eggs.

[@irenewoolsey926]

Best I've seen ..

[@purplepumpkinMD]

Love your video. What would be the procedures in getting the barrel pond ready for winter? Thank you.

[@wwtorguk]

Thank you! Winter prep is as simple as cutting back and removing any dead plant material and leaves. Plants will then lie dormant and no excess nutrients will build up from decomposition. Which hopefully means clear water come the spring!

[@suttonsplash14]

Pond update please!

[@sunnystump5155]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@user-wm2hw5bu5q]

This is lovely

[@pollopacheco1891]

Thanks for your video, good tips 😊

[@wwtorguk]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elizabethbelloEMPOWERS]

I love it!!!

[@oliviarobles6146]

Love it

[@AsiraBettas]

I love it

[@wendywilliams9893]

Great info thanks