Haith’s New Wildlife Ponds: Latest Updates and Benefits for Birds

As promised, I am updating you on the progress we are making with our two wildlife ponds. What a difference a few weeks makes.

I reported in June that we were awaiting a variety of aquatic marginal pond plants, from friends and neighbours, to be placed into the pond. Well, they have finally arrived and they've been placed in the ponds and our plan to introduce a more sustainable source of bathing/drinking water for wildlife is starting to take shape.

"What are marginal pond plants?" I can hear your ask. Some will know the answer, but many won't - so let's take a brief look at the role of plant marginals in ponds: 

Marginal pond plants grow in the shallow ends of the pond - not only do they (marginal plants) bring shape to the edge of the ponds, they also provide colour throughout the growing season.

Ideally, ponds should contain 2-3 marginal plants per metre of space, but our ponds are only small so we have planted 1-2 marginal plants per metre around the edge of our pond.

These marginal plant roots have been placed in a mesh container under the water to keep them together so that they can't be separated on a windy day.

Marginal plants should be positioned at a depth of no more than 0-5cms water over the soil and stones. 

As I can see out of my office window onto the wildlife garden which is being frequented by the magpies, blackbirds, sparrows and others - I can see that these birds are drinking out of the pond. It's a wonderful sight; it's been a super project to have made what we hope will be a positive difference to visiting wildlife.

Written by Chris Smith