People build ponds for all sorts of reasons, but very often their desire is to create a wildlife habitat in their backyard.

Water is essential to wildlife and many creatures will make use of it including:

• Frogs, toads and newts
• Caddis flies, damselflies, dragonflies, mayflies, pond skaters, snails and water beetles breed in water
• Large ponds will support waterfowl, including mallard ducks, moorhens and coots
• Birds such as swallows and house martins will pick off insects from above the water surface and use muddy areas for nest building
• The grey heron can be a regular visitor to even a small pond, feeding on fish and amphibians

To find out more about how to create and manage a wildlife pond visit the following websites:

Royal Horticultural Society – Wildlife Ponds

Freshwater Habitats Trust – Make a Garden Pond

If you have never built a pond before it can sometimes seem quite daunting. However if you consider the key issues below your ideas for that spectacular garden water feature may come to pass a little easier.

• Step 1 – Formal or Informal Pond? A formal pond tends to have straight or evenly curved edges, and is roughly symmetrical and would look good incorporated into a patio for example. An informal pond is designed to look like it was formed naturally, and would look good as part of a more heavily planted garden.
• Step 2 – Size is a very important consideration, as it will affect the suitability of the pond for its intended purpose, as well as its overall cost. As with style, the size of the pondshould reflect the garden – a large pond in a small space will look out of place.
• Step 3 – Type of Pond. At one end of the spectrum you may wish to create a pond purely designed for wildlife. In reality, most people opt for a ‘mixed’ pond, with a varied selection of popular fish and plants. They can be fine-tuned to favour wildlife or fish, and be informal or formal.
• Step 4 – Moving Water or Still. Moving water is visually appealing, as well as being beneficial to the pond. Waterfalls, fountains, and streams all help to aerate the water, improving its oxygen level.
• Step 5 -Complexity of Pond Build. The more complex the shape ofthe pond, the harder it will be to construct. It is much better to stick with larger curves and fewer corners, and then use edging materials or planting schemes to
  create the illusion of an intricate shape.
• Step 6 – Position of the Pond – The position of the pond will affect the quality of the finished design. Things to consider include aspect, viewing, electricity, access, trees and drainage.

If you would like more detailed advice on all of the above  view the excellent guide from Tetra on How to Build a Pond