This article is inspired by a blog post we published about the 2019 Wild About Gardens Campaign. It’s still relevant today.
UK Gardeners Urged to Bring Back the Garden Pond
We’re losing ponds, rivers and streams at an alarming rate—and with them, the rich variety of life they support. From frogs and toads to newts, dragonflies and hedgehogs, many of our most loved garden visitors rely on water to survive.
The good news? Adding a pond is one of the best things you can do for wildlife in your garden. And it doesn’t need to be big, fancy or expensive.
The Wild About Gardens Campaign—run by the RHS and The Wildlife Trusts—encourages gardeners across the UK to bring back ponds in every shape and size, from natural wildlife havens to upcycled washing-up bowls.
Why Ponds Matter
Ponds are biodiversity hotspots. Even a small pond can quickly become a sanctuary for insects, amphibians, birds, bats and more. In fact, a healthy garden pond supports more species than any other garden feature.
But with development, drainage, pollution and intensive farming, these watery habitats are vanishing fast. Creating space for a pond, however small, is a simple act with a huge impact.
Think Big, Start Small
You don’t need a grand water feature or loads of space. A washing-up bowl, a sunken plant pot, or even an old sink can make a brilliant mini pond—just be sure to:
- Make it shallow with a wide ‘neck’ so wildlife can climb in and out
- Add pebbles or a ramp to help creatures escape
- Use rainwater if possible, and avoid tap water where you can
- Add a few native aquatic plants to help oxygenate and shelter
- Avoid adding fish—they eat spawn, eggs and invertebrates
Mini ponds are easy to care for, and if more of us created them, the connected habitat they form could have a powerful effect on our local wildlife.
What to Plant in a Wildlife Pond
Aquatic plants are key to keeping your pond healthy. They oxygenate the water, offer cover and laying sites for insects, and help support the wider ecosystem.
Here are a few UK-native, wildlife-friendly options:
For pond edges (up to 5cm deep):
- Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) – golden flowers in early spring
- Water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) – loved by bees
- Lesser spearwort (Ranunculus flammula) – bright and hardy
Floating plants and waterlilies:
- Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) – small, floating leaves and flowers
- Miniature waterlily (Nymphaea ‘Pygmaea Helvola’) – ideal for small ponds
Submerged oxygenators:
- Water violet (Hottonia palustris)
- Water crowfoot (Ranunculus aquatilis)
Ponds Are More Than Just Pretty
Still not convinced? Here’s what your pond could be doing:
- Sheltering frogs, toads and newts during breeding season
- Feeding birds, hedgehogs and bats with insect life
- Giving bees and butterflies a drink on warm days
- Offering a place for young creatures to hide from predators
- Supporting a balanced garden ecosystem without the need for chemicals
Pond Care Tips for Every Season
Spring:
- Add barley straw to reduce algae
- Introduce new plants and divide any overgrown clumps
- Try not to disturb the water—lots is happening below the surface
Summer:
- Top up with rainwater if needed
- Keep grass around the pond long to shelter young amphibians
- Remove blanketweed gently, checking for any trapped wildlife
Autumn:
- Clear fallen leaves and cut back overhanging branches
- Remove silt and prepare the pond for winter dormancy
Winter:
- Don’t smash ice! Instead, place a ball in the water or gently melt a hole
- Brush snow off the surface to let in light
- Insulate mini ponds with bubble wrap or place them in sheltered spots
Not Ready for a Pond? Try These Alternatives
If a pond’s not practical for your space, you can still help:
- Create a mini bog garden with moisture-loving plants
- Leave water dishes or birdbaths with shallow areas and perches
- Dig a shallow dip in your lawn to collect rainwater for wildlife
- Visit and support your local pond or nature reserve
Ready to Make a Splash?
Whether it’s a tiny bowl on a balcony or a larger wildlife pond in your garden, adding water is one of the most impactful and joyful ways to support nature.
The Wild About Gardens campaign makes it easy to get started—so why not join in and do your bit for British wildlife?
🌐 Visit wildaboutgardens.org.uk for inspiration, planting guides and pond-creation tips.
📘 Or download the official Wild About Gardens pond booklet for free here.
And for gardening questions, advice or assistance, send us a message here.
