For anyone looking to make their own wildlife pond in the UK, all the products available here are from the very same specialist growers and suppliers that I use in my own projects and have done for the last 20 years - pond liner, fleece, pond plants AND subsoil that I talk about in this video 😊👇 wildyourgarden.com/product/pond-liners-2-4m-to-15-2m-other-sizes-available/ We offer free, tailored advice to all our Wild Your Garden customers. We also sell many other products that will help attract more wildlife to your garden or green space 👍 Thank you for watching and supporting our family run business. 😊👍
The great feature of these videos are how you do things having in mind wildlife needs, not just "how it looks". You can see there is passion in what you do and love for wildlife.
Thank you, I really appreciate that :) These have to be pleasing to the eye to an extent so that people are encouraged to have ponds by this method, but the benefits to nature are unlimited - thanks so much for your support, it means a lot - best wishes, Joel
I have watched this video twice now ,once alone and now I have my husband involved the book is ordered arriving tomorrow thank you for this thanks to you I have started the most amazing wildlife pond , the explanation of plants , insects etc was so valuable for me I am so excited! 🙏🏻♥️
Hello there! :) I am so glad that it's been helpful and I hope the book is too - if you need any materials or plants etc then we have a vast amount on the website at www.wildyourgarden.com - I'm really excited too! Best wishes, Joel
This series of videos has been extremely helpful and reassuring to me. I'm building a pond at the moment and it's good to know that I'm on the right track.. :) Actually seeing you build it and all the info you give is much more useful than anything else I've come across so far.
Wow Ann, thanks so much for your comment - that's made my day :) So glad these were of help to you, I'm determined that people are aware of making as many habitats as possible, to give more and more spaces for the creatures in need :) I'm always here if you have any other questions/need advice - best wishes, Joel
@karenlove4025 Anytime 😊 If you’re in the UK and looking to buy a liner, fleece and all the pond plants in the video, we can supply them for you through www.wildyourgarden.com and I’m of course happy to recommend plant quantities etc😊❤️
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Fab! I'm still deciding where to position everything in my new garden so it won't be for a little while yet. I had thought about putting the pond in a shady area (as had been mentioned in a previous video I had watched from someone) but I am now looking at sunnier spots
I discovered you a few days ago and love everything you do. This was so infomative. I made a little pond last year and although it's pretty, my liner is showing a little in the pond so I'm going to redo everything with the extra fleece on top and soil. I love that you not just build ponds but you care so much for all the insects, birds, animals and plants. That's always been my way of thinking and I have never came across anybody that really cares about all of them. LOVE it. Thank you so much.
Hi Charlotte, thank you so much for your kind comment, I really appreciate your encouragement and support, it makes a difference :) I've been doing this for over 17 years now and to see the change in people's gardening perspectives is just wonderful, I am so glad the channel and book are encouraging more and more people and showing how rewarding it can be. There are certainly an increasing amount of desperate creatures in need of our help, and where best to start than our own green spaces? Thanks again, best wishes - Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Your'e very welcome. I forgot to tell you. We live on over 7 acres and this year i am going to put in a bigger pond as well and also not mow a big area for all the wild flowers. Every year i get rid of more grass and plant lots of flowers. I live in Wisconsin, USA so the 6 month winters are long and aweful but I am very excited about all the new things I'm going to do to the garden this year. Keep up the good work!
Fantastic! I'd love to see that 7 acres, if you get a chance I'd be so pleased to see some photos, you can send an email to me at hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com :) What a fantastic thing you're doing, there will be many grateful creatures I am sure - best wishes, Joel
Truly inspiring video, I was about to dig a medium sized wildlife pond in my garden and would have made many mistakes without watching this first. Thank you Joel, wildlife is safe in your hands!
Brilliant! So glad you are going to make such a vital habitat - if you need any advice or materials etc, we sell everything I use in my own projects on www.wildyourgarden.com and we're happy to advise and help with quantities, liner, fleece, plants and even subsoil if needed. Feel free to drop us a line. Have a great weekend, best wishes - Joel
I have wanted to do a pond for years I just lucked up on your videos I am so happy! I am retired and have been turning my yard into a native habitat. I will be doing my pond before the summer is over.Your videos have inspired me to not wait any longer.Thanks 29:32
Hi Debra, thanks so much for this, although I know there are many landscapers out there watching these videos too, the channel was set up for people just like you that can make these in their own gardens and these habitats are vital - you will be rewarded for your efforts, I promise 🥰
Wow, thanks Marco - quite an accolade! Seriously, thanks for your constant support and if there's anything additional you need to know, just send a message and I'll be happy to help :)
Hey Cheyne - thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a positive comment, your support is really appreciated :) Glad these are of help and even more glad that another habitat is being made for the wildlife so desperately in need - best wishes, Joel
Many thanks for making the vid. The mrs has been banging on about me making her a wildlife pond but I have been at a loss how to do it. Your 3 vids make it look easy to do, but as always you have many years of experience to make it look easy. Anyways, measuring up and costing the mats. Btw, just bought the book. Thanks for being generous with the info. Best vid I've seen.
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive comment, I really appreciate it :) Really glad the channel has been helpful - if you need the fleece, liner, plants etc you can find them on the website I set up to go hand-in-hand with the book so all the items mentioned can be purchased in one place :) www.wildyourgarden.com - awful "plug" I know, but the reason I set the website up was due to so many people asking where they could get the items mentioned and the wholesalers I use are unable to sell to the public directly. Best wishes to you and the Mrs :) Joel
I have just watched the three videos back to back Joel. What an oasis that pond has no doubt become. They are a masterclass and a credit to you. I have learned loads. A friend of mine has asked for my help to add a pond to his garden and now I can't wait to get at it 😊. I love the selection of plants you are stocking the pond with and their importance to our wildlife. Purple Loosestrife has always been a particularly favourite of mine. Your knowledge, manner and enthusiasm are an inspiration and a joy to behold. Thank you. Paul 👍😊 #natureistheantidote
Hey Paul - thanks so much. Fantastic to know yet another vital habitat will be made for creatures so desperately in need :) The plants will be available at www.wildyourgarden.com around beginning of April as they're all still asleep at the moment, not long to wait though, and it won't stop the build of the pond and animals using it - if you need liner and fleece it's available in the shop too :) Best wishes, Joel
Thank you Charles, I wish there were more of them here to be honest, we've lost so many over the years due to habitat loss, a lack of natural food etc and we really should start to treasure them before it's too late. Hopefully people watching the channel will learn to care for them and consider them when planning their gardens. Great to hear from you all the way over in Ohio, hope you had a good weekend - best wishes, Joel
Thanks for taking the time to reply Simon - it means a lot - it's been quite a while coming but you can imagine the time it takes to make this as comprehensive as possible - best wishes and good luck with the pond, don't forget I'm here if you need any help, just leave a comment or email me at hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com
Brilliant design! I particularly love the fact your design doesn’t require pumps or filters that require electricity, wiring, and ongoing electricity cost. One question I have is how clear does the water get and how long does it take for it to clear up?
Thanks Keith - really appreciate your kind comment - if you've not seen already, do go to the "videos" section on the channel and you'll see lots more ponds and designs - best of luck - Joel
Thanks ever so much Gareth, I really appreciate the encouragement and support, welcome to the channel and I hope you find the many videos available of help. Best wishes, Joel
Thank you, Joel! Your elaboration on choice of plants is fantastic. Knowing how wildlife utilise plants really helps in finding substitutes local to my area, other side of the globe :) Absolutely appreciate your work!
Hello! Sorry for the delay, I am so glad that you enjoyed the videos, and I really appreciate your support and kind comments, they make all the difference to me :) If you need any help, feel free to ask - best wishes, Joel
Thank you Margie, I really appreciate this, apologies for the delay in acknowledging you but so many comments across the channel I'm trying to keep up with :) But your encouragement and support really helps. Best wishes, Joel
Thank you Ruth, so much - if you're living in the UK we have everything you need to create these ponds, from specialists that I have used for over 20 years, so if you need help with measurements, plants etc always feel free to drop me a line at enquiries@wildyourgarden.com - thank you again and best wishes - Joel
Absolutely thrilled - thank you! If you have any questions I'm always here, if you have the time on Sunday 31st Jan at 3pm (GMT) then there is a live Q&A, would love you to join us if you can, we have a great community on here - so pleased you're making a much needed space for wildlife - best wishes, Joel :)
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton ill definitely try to make it im in Northern USA but sounds awesome thank you for the reply, I'm obsessed with nature I pretty much live in the woods 😂 take care God bless you!
@@SereneSoakingSounds That sounds a good place to live! ;) I'll be doing an update before Sunday with the relevant times for people across the globe, I'll also publish it after the event if that's helpful, but do hope you can join us - from the woods! ;) Best wishes, Joel
@@SereneSoakingSounds it would be great to "see" you there next Sunday :-) Nature is a great healer and has certainly got me through some rough times. Take care :-)
Thank you very much for this series of pond video's, I am just in the process of putting in a pond and by the looks of it would have made some daft errors had I not taken the time to watch these and would have ended up with avoidable problems to surmount at a later stage. So again thank you.
Hi Bob - it's comments like yours that make all the effort worthwhile :) I am absolutely thrilled these have been helpful to you, and knowing that there's another habitat for wildlife on the horizon makes it even better - I really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a positive comment, it makes all the difference :) Best wishes to you, Joel
Thank you for providing these extremely informative videos Joel. They are fantastic! And I hope they inspire many people to create bio-diverse ponds of their own.
Thank you Alex - I really appreciate your support and kind words, they're not easy to make - well, relatively easy but it's the editing and uploading that takes so long. I do hope you find the channel helpful and that it encourages others to make spaces for wildlife so desperately in need right now - best wishes to you and yours - Joel
I've only recently discovered your videos and am now binge watching. This series is great as I want to replace the rigid plastic pond I put in years ago with something bigger and more natural. The pond I installed has done a job but at only 50cm deep, was unable to stop the only female frog who visited being frozen to death (I've never had spawn). So I want to create a new one 3 feet deep but can't go any wider than this one here.
Hi Ray! Thank you so much. I was just literally reading your email to us :) So sorry to hear about the female frog, but I'm just about to reply to you - look out for an email from enquiries@hazelwoodlandscapes.com - best wishes, Joel
Hi Joel, thank you so much for this video! We live in Devon by the coast and are planning to create a wildlife pond this month. I had planned to use just your technique of fleece-liner-fleece-subsoil, but was/am a bit worried that I will end up with a large, muddy hole! :-) Your video has given me the confidence to go ahead. So excited! Thank you!!!
Wonderful to read this Marie-Christine, I am really glad the videos helped. We sell everything you need at www.wildyourgarden.com - the same materials/plants etc that I use for my own projects. We're more than happy to advise on sizes/quantities and any other help you might need - do feel free to drop us a no-obligation email to enquiries@wildyourgarden.com. I really appreciate your kind words, they make a difference :) Best wishes, Joel
Hi Joel. I've watched this 3-part series twice and am about to move forward with my pond based on your brilliant design recommendations. I have one concern though: is there no problem with water seeping behind the liner at the cut edges? Thanks so much for making these videos for us! I made my first pond last year and I'm on a mission to educate Americans about the natural pond technique. It's unusual here, and we need many more of these.
I have watched so many pond videos that I paralysed myself with information. Your videos have been very informative and answered all the little questions I have been concerned about. I live in Perthshire in Scotland, and although my pond is small I am sure it will make a difference to the wildlife in my garden. Thank you very much.
Great video! Thanks so much. You've given me more ideas for the wildlife pond I built last year. One warning for people in the US: purple loosestrife is incredibly invasive here, and is strongly discouraged or outlawed in many states. Check before you buy ...
Hi Deborah - I need to get back to this client's pond, I work all over the country so it's difficult getting back to specific places, but this one is firmly on my list :) If you wanted to see how these ponds look after a couple of weeks, you might like this short video on just a few of the many created using this method over the last 18 years: ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html Best wishes - Joel
Thank you so much - I am absolutely thrilled when these videos encourage others to make a space with wildlife in mind - you will be rewarded I promise :) Really appreciate your positive comment, it makes all the difference - best wishes to you, Joel
Aloha from Hawaii - I so enjoyed your three part series!!!! I am looking forward to creating some of these! I'm sure I won't be able to stop at just one! I wholeheartedly love your approach to bringing wildlife into the garden and supporting the local ecology. SO refreshing!!!!! And honestly - I really enjoyed those little hedgehogs!!!
Aloha! So wonderful to read your positive comment, it really does make a difference to me and I really appreciate your support - I do hope you enjoy the channel, I'm here if you need any help - best wishes, Joel
Thanks Rodney - really appreciate you taking the time to let me know - I'm so glad they have been of use, there are lots more on the channel, so do drop by again - best wishes, Joel
You're very kind Mary :) I really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a nice comment, I hope you enjoy the channel and find it helpful - best wishes, Joel
Hi there :) So glad that this was helpful to you - if you're in the UK and thinking about constructing one of these then we do have everything you need at www.wildyourgarden.com - everything I use in my own projects - thanks for taking the time to leave such a nice comment, it really does make a difference. Best wishes, Joel
Nice job chap! I clear out one of my clients wildlife ponds when necessary. I always search meticulously whatever I take out. We have a thriving community of great crested newts, Dragon and Damsal flies, and more snails than you can poke a stick at!
🤣If you're in the UK and need any additional questions answered or help at all then feel free to drop me a line at enquiries@wildyourgarden.com - I'm more than happy to help if there's another vital habitat that can be built! I appreciate the encouragement and support though, best wishes - Joel
Thank you Jenny, I really appreciate your kind words. Welcome to the channel, there are over 300 helpful videos now and I hope you find more of interest. Very best wishes - Joel
Superb series of videos Joel. I am looking to make a wildlife pond for a friend & found your tutorials. Extremely well done & very helpful. Earnt a new subscriber. THANK YOU
You're so very welcome Ben, if you're in the UK then don't forget we have the www.wildyourgarden.com online shop where we can supply absolutely everything you need. The suppliers and growers we use are the very same people I have been using for my own projects over the last 18 years. We're also happy to offer advice, feel free to drop me a line at enquiries@wildyourgarden.com. Best wishes, and thanks so much for your kind words - another habitat being made is fantastic! Joel
I watched the time lapse video for this pond. Then the full 3 series. We are looking to make a shallow (for child safety) wildlife pond in a Japanese garden. This size and type of pond will work if adapted slightly by adding more stones in the well to make it shallow that can be removed in the future. Thanks for the inspiration and good explanations. No shameless plugging of your book all the way through you waited until the end. I bought it straight away though. Lol
Absolutely thrilled Chris, thank you so much. That's a brilliant idea re adding more stones and of course they can be removed in the future - the pond will still be a haven for so much wildlife. I'm so pleased that there's another pond on the way for nature - I'm here if you have any other questions or need advice, and lastly, thank you so much for buying the book - that did make me laugh! Best wishes to you and yours Chris - Joel
I'm so glad Jules - so sorry for the delay in acknowledging you but I have been on a large project and finding it difficult to keep up with everyone at the moment. But I want you to know that your kind words and encouragement do make a difference. So glad this has been helpful to you - lots more advice and ideas on the channel :) Best wishes, Joel
Wow - thanks Lorina - sorry for the delay in responding but I am not getting all notifications for the comments, I really appreciate your comment and support though :) Best wishes, Joel
Second time I watch this three part series and it's so beautiful and inspiring! Really full of info. Is there an update on this pond? I'd love to see how it has developed ☺️
Hi there :) That's so good to hear, I hope it encourages you to make your own pond. Unfortunately, with the current workload I've been unable to return to this client's pond yet - but I will do as I am keen to do an update video, just no time at the moment. But if you wanted to see how these establish then there is a short video here of just a few of the many ponds I have created this way - it may give you some more ideas too :) ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html I hope that it is helpful to you - best wishes to you and yours - Joel
Wow you are amazing! Thank you for sharing. I learned so much!!!! I can wait to do this myself. You were so through I greatly appreciate your knowledge:) I love the way it truly will fit perfectly into your clients esthetic. Well done.
Thank you Christine, so much - I plan to return to the garden and do an update video on the pond as soon as work commitments mean I'm in the area - I work countrywide so getting back to see updates on the works is sometimes difficult, but I'll be sure to upload an update when Spring is here. I really appreciate your support, I do hope you enjoy the rest of the channel, there are lots of pond-themed videos on the channel as well as other wild-life gardening tips. Best wishes, Joel
It would be great to see you revisit this pond to see how it has established. Love your videos and content. You've inspired me with so much of my own garden. A pond is my project for next year and I can't wait. It's my ultimate garden desire.
Hi there - I can't wait to get back to this client's pond when time allows but working all over the country means that I've not been in that area again yet. Apologies if you've already seen this particular video but it's a short one of just a few of the many ponds made using this method and how they establish in as little as a few weeks: ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html Best wishes - Joel
This is so informative! Thank you so much! Would love to see your thoughts on if you can incorporate running water(fountain) at one end of a larger wildlife pond and what to think about not to affect habitats.Also, can you add any native fish to wildlife ponds?
Hi Erin - thank you, so glad this was helpful. You can incorporate running water - I'll put a link below to a video so you can see one of the many installed before - it's the filters you have to be careful of due to them "sucking" up most tiny creatures, but in these ponds there's no need for filtration or running water as the oxygenating plants keep these ponds clear. Fish that will only grow to a small size are fine but they will of course add nutrient to the pond with waste and encourage algae - here's that video: ua-cam.com/video/BrvhfJ_cc_E/v-deo.html Best wishes, and welcome to the channel - Joel
Joel, can you recommend a supplier of subsoil and also pebbles? Not sure what quantities to order for a similar size pond, I'm in SW London. Many thanks.
Hi there - thanks for your comment/questions - I'm out on site at the moment, but if you could send an email to hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com then I can address this for you and point you in the right direction :)
You're very welcome Scott - glad this was of help - if you haven't bought any plants yet they will be available from April time as they're all still dormant at the moment but if you visit us at www.wildyourgarden.com we have all the plants there that you'll need, along with the recommended liner, fleece etc - thanks ever so much for your support and kind words, it makes a difference :) Best wishes, Joel
There’s quite a few to name but I have a full list in my book - Wild Your Garden if you’re interested? Otherwise, I’m happy to name some of them. Thank you 😊
Thank you so much! utmost apologies for the delay in responding, I don't seem to be getting all the notifications re comments and am having to trawl the videos to ensure I'm acknowledging everyone. I really appreciate your support though :) Best wishes, Joel
I love the natural look of your ponds, i have one question about the way you cover the liner with soil. Won´t the capillary function of the soil on the edge pull the water out of the pond and into the dry soil outside the liner? When i have just a tiny bit of soil overlapping inside and outside my pond it will gradually drain the water from my pond. I had to make sure the liner edge was only covered by stones and gravel to solve this issue but i like the more natural look of the soil way more.
Hi there, when the ponds are initially built the soil will wick a certain amount, but after they are established and the marginal planting has been done correctly then there is no further loss of water via the soil - there is water loss during hot or very windy weather, but that applies to any pond with evaporation of water. I hope that this helps, best wishes - Joel
This was a total eye-opener and a great help thank you. I was about to head off in quite the wrong direction I now see. All the best. Happy to subscribe for more.
Hi Norman :) Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a positive comment, I really appreciate it. I'm really glad that the videos were of help to you - there are lots more on the channel but if you wanted to see a few of the other ponds I've created over 15 years you can find a short video here, might provide some more inspiration: ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html Best wishes, and thanks again - Joel
@@normancoutts Great to hear, do let me know how you get on, would love to see some photos when you're done - you can reach me at hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com :) Best of luck, here if you need any advice - Joel
Great trio of highly inspirational and educational films. We'll certainly be following your ideas. Quick question:- We're in Birmingham, West Midlands. Our Top-soil is clay, dig down to a spades depth and you find clay that is blue/grey or yellow/grey ! Given this, would you use such clay as a pond sub-soil in the way you explained or something else ? If it's not suitable, what would you recommend ? Thanks again, Regards, Andrew
Very informative and entertaining videos. I'm following your design and have just ordered the fleece and liner from your shop. I'm already expecting to need gravel in the 'well' bottom and wondered if you would kindly recommend a size or type for this function. There seem to be many different types out there and I'm keen to get it right for my parents as this is a gift for them. Many thanks in advance.
Hi Sanjay - I am so sorry for the delay in responding to you, it's our busiest time of year and of course the recent heatwave has meant that we've had to work extra hours and weekends to catch up with the days that were lost due to excessive heat. Please do send me an email to hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com and I'll happily help and advise, it will be easier to send photos to me there too - I really appreciate you using the shop, very much - thank you and best wishes - Joel
Thanks for the video’s Joel I wish I saw these Vedic before starting mine as I fill like I built my pond completely wrong as there where mix answer for putting soil into the pond or in my case a large pond about 30ft fill like when summer comes next year I think I will need to do some think about it as it’s still fairly new. If I could send you some pictures some how would you be able to give me some advice if that’s ok where iv gone wrong. 😑 thanks Stuart.
Hi Stuart. Thank you for your comment. Absolutely, please do get in touch via my email address - hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com and I’d be happy to answer any questions. Thanks Stuart.
This 3 part series was so inspiring, thank you! I am just starting to build the knowledge (from a base of not a lot!) to do exactly this for myself and I'm so excited to get started. This step by step guide is really useful to give people like me the confidence to give it a go. Question if you see this comment... what would you do with the verges around the pond that are adjacent to the lawn to help it look natural and not fill with weeds?
Thank you, so very much Oliver - what a lovely comment and it really does spur me on to read that so many people are considering ponds, they're so important for nature :) With the edges, if left with soil, like the one in the video, I would usually sow a pond-edge wildflower seed mixture, which would be damp loving wildflowers and grasses - if you need any more help and are free on Sunday 28th at 3pm do join us as I'll be speaking about my garden and the pond in it :) Happy to help here if you can't make it of course. Really appreciate you taking the time to leave your comment, best wishes - Joel
Hi Joel, really love what you do and the enthusiasm you do it with! One thing though…I’ve watched several of your pond creation videos and it strikes me that most times there seems to be an awful lot of liner wastage, I mean really a lot! As you know, that stuff ain’t cheap and it isn’t a natural product. I’d be curious to understand your reasoning on this one thing. Keep up the great work, warm regards Simon 😊
Hi Simon. There is indeed some wastage, but this is used for either bog gardens or for the tips of compost heaps etc. The liners are all made from 100% recycled tyres and are recommended by Greenpeace. Sometimes I am not able to visit the site prior to implementing the works, so I always order plenty as it’s better than being short! Hope this helps and thanks for the support 😊👍
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks for replying so quickly Joel…I can see that you are a busy fella.! The recycled tyre liner sounds interesting, must check that out…I’ve always used 1mm butyl. Perhaps it’s time to rethink that one?? Anyway, really love the way you’re spreading “the message”, you are doing a great job at it!! If by chance you ever find yourself in Edinburgh or Glasgow (my girlfriend lives in the latter) give me a shout, I’ll take you for a pint…I think we have a lot in common! Thanks again S 😀
@@simonwhite5535 thanks so much Simon. I’d love to go for that pint. Drop me a line at hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.cos and we can exchange numbers and keep in touch 😊👍
Hi Michelle. Thank you for commenting - really glad you’re enjoying the videos. I would say Purple Loosestrife tops Yellow Loosestrife. But that’s only going off my observations 😊👍
Hi Joel, thanks for the really great resources you have contributed to this channel. You have inspired me to create a wildlife pond on my property in Fort Collins Colorado. I purchased your book to support your work and get the comprehensive list of plants you said it contains. I have a few questions: do you think I can create a pond in this environment that does not require any aerating pumps or filtration? I ask because I have contacted a local pond guy who thought algae would become an issue given the amount of sunny days we get here as well as the intensity. Also the area I would have for the pond gets full sun most of the day. I noted that you mentioned keeping the pond surface covered 60-70% with floating plants seems to be one key and having good supply of oxygenating plants is also important but should I put in a bog filter just in case? Thanks for any advice you may have.
Hi! Thanks for the lovely comment and support. I’m so pleased you’re building a wildlife pond 😊👍 If you go big enough, there should be no need for a filtration system/pump, as amphibians tend to prefer still water for breeding. However, you can do both if the pond is big enough, as it will certainly help with aeration. Smaller ponds will suffer from algal blooms as the water will warm up faster and provide the perfect environment for the blanket weed etc. I hope this helps and do send some pics of the pond to enquiries@wildyourgarden.com so that I can see your efforts! 😊 All the best. Joel
thanks for all the advice you have given in these videos, I have ended up coping your design. one thing I am struggling with, is purchasing some boulder for my pond, any help with that would be amazing what kind of stone/ where sells to independent small projects (Hampshire), thank you
Hi there! So sorry for the delay in responding to you, I've been away on large projects around the UK so am just catching up with everyone. Firstly, thank you for your kind words, they really do make a difference after a hard day at work! These ponds only need replenishing in very dry/hot weather (wind also plays a part in evaporation of water) but they don't need replenishing anymore than a standard/fibreglass pond. I hope that this helps - here's a short video of just a few of the many ponds I've created over the last 18 years - it should show you how beautiful and useful for nature these become, in as little as a few weeks: ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html Very best wishes, and thank you again - Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks for your reply Joel. It must be difficult to keep up with the comments when you’re so busy. That’s good to hear about replenishing the pond. A useful second video too. Thanks again. Seán.
Hi. I would use semi rotten logs. Any are fine, as they will have different qualities. I agree and would avoid using driftwood. For the perch, anything air dried and solid will work. Hope that helps 😊👍
I've also just watched this series back to back. Wonderful! Your time and detail is so appreciated! I am located in the Chicago area, zone 5B, so it can be in the teens Fahrenheit (at least overnight) for much of December thru February. I'm slowly but surely getting rid of my grass and moving more toward a permaculture garden style. Would love to have this type/size pond in my yard but am wondering if it's too cold here for this natural style. I'd hate to kill any wildlife making a home in the pond as the water would assuredly freeze in the winter.
Hi there - most amphibians will leave a pond and hibernate in undergrowth, woodpiles and similar habitat during the winter and other creatures like dragonflies etc will stay at the bottom of the pond, obviously the deeper you can make the pond the better - hope this helps encourage you to make one of these fantastic habitats for wildlife, the rewards in Spring, Summer and Autumn with creatures that visit will make it worth your while :) Best wishes, and thanks for your kind words - Joel
Pound dug (3.4 M long x 2.6 M wide), teardrop shap. Used the subsoil but mainly clay dug from pond and another part of garden. Very cloudy for 2 days but after that clear. Sides all trimed and covered with the remaining sub soil/clay. Looks great! thanks to your advice. Realised I'm not 21 anymore! Question: it's late September; is it too late in the year to plant out?
Hi there! So sorry for the delay in responding, up to my eyes in client meadow cuts at the moment. I really appreciate hearing how the advice has helped and it sounds like you've done a fantastic job! Re planting out, autumn is the best time as it allows the plants to get their "feet" in and establish in time for the colder weather. The actual pond plants/oxygenators will die down over winter but re-emerge in Spring :) We have plants available at www.wilgyourgarden.com - Hope this is helpful - have a good rest soon and daydream over winter about how you will be rewarded in Spring - best wishes to you and yours - Joel
I am very very like yours videos.because my favorite pets are 🐟 fishes . l will make a small aquarium in my house.in next years. I like to be your friend broo & I like to meet you . If you come srilnka I will meet you.
That's great, do let me know how you get on with the small pond! If I make it to Sri Lanka next year I will let you know - feel free to email me at hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com and we can keep in touch.
My pond is smaller than this but just liner and no soil except in the deepest part. Frogs use it and we get plenty of tadpoles but not as good as it could be I feel after watching your videos.
Hi, Fantastic informative videos. I have recently moved into my present house and whilst reorganising the garden we came across a Great Crested Newt, which was exciting, so we thought to build a wildlife pond. however the garden is quite narrow. Any way, a long story short...a neighbour gave us a new preformed pond, quite big 120cmx 80cm, we have so far dug the hole and inserted the pond, my question is, should we put in subsoil on bottom and on the ledges? I can't imagine that it would stay there...?....we shall put in rocks, pebbles, etc and build slopes so there are exits and entrances....... We have a rain water butt so will fill it with that, and buy the plants you recommend. Also thought to get a solar water fountain to aerate the water, any tips recommendations for preformed ponds welcome. Many thanks , Carol, Kent uk
Hi there :) Thanks so much for your kind words - they do make a difference :) What a fantastic find, I often have people saying that they find frogs/newts in their gardens and they don't even have a pond. This is usually autumn time onwards when they will have left ponds - they will use ponds primarily for breeding and once the season is over they are often found in gardens finding insects, invertebrates etc to dine on :) You're right re the subsoil not settling in a pre-formed pond, so don't worry about that. You won't need any artificial filtration once you have the right pond plants in Carol, you will certainly have an effective pond by what you have described above, and you've obviously put a lot of thought into this - please do feel free to send me an email to hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com and maybe a few photos and I can give you some pointers to ensure it is a success :) Best wishes to you and yours - Joel
What are the specifications of the fleece liner used? I'm based in the US and would love to follow the methods in this video to build a wildlife pond, but I'm not sure where to access the appropriate fleece material.
Hi, I really enjoyed the video and would like to convert my preformed fibreglass pond into a wildlife pond like the one you have created . I was thinking of either using sand to help make the sloping 'beach' area, or perhaps using mortar to make a rocky slope that the birds could walk on, as preformed ponds all have steep edges. I would be interested in any comments you may have.
Hi there Sharon :) Unfortunately, sand won't have much "substance" and will likely soon find it's way to the bottom, heavy rain etc. It may be best to make some cobbled areas, placing the stones inside and in a ramp fashion as you suggest, set in concrete to keep them in place. I would of course recommend emptying the pond first to do this and temporarily moving the wildlife into buckets until the mortar has set ;) I hope that this helps, do let me know how you get on :) Best wishes, Joel
Hi Tony :) That's so good to hear, both on the new habitat for wildlife and that you have bought the book, I hope it will prove useful to you :) Re the subsoil it's around 4-6 inches deep. Hope that's helpful - best wishes to you, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thanks Joel, I was going to start tomorrow but had my vacs yesterday and now can’t move 🙄. Do I need aquatic soil or just the the stuff I’ll have dug up? Keep up the good work
Thanks for doing this Joel - really adds some meat to the bones of the earlier video and your excellent book. For a 2.5m x 2m pond, what would you say are the optimal numbers of plants in each of the 4 categories? I live in urban Essex, so am likely to have really claggy/clay soil, with little by way of sub soil. I'd rather buy some sub soil in and plant directly, rather than use plastic baskets, but don't want to overcrowd a pond or leave it too sparse. Many thanks and congratulations again.
Thank you Dave, so much - everyone has been so encouraging and you taking the time to comment so positively means a lot. I wish these ponds could be a hobby but it's my work of course, and means that videos etc take a while to make to enable me to share all this, but if it means more people creating habitats for nature etc :) If you could email me at hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com and let me know whereabouts in Essex you are I may be able to help with some subsoil as I am there often! I'll get back to you asap - Joel
❤your videos and the insect fort that you show during the intro-- this is the coolest thing I've ever seen, gave me a great idea for another fun project. I'm new to exploring this (pond) project & I'm a new subscriber.. can't wait to get started. ❤the nite visitor, too.. made me smile. 👉 Did I miss something? How do you prevent slope erosion where there's no rocks, are the plants going to help mitigate this?
Thanks so much for commenting and subscribing John. I love that you love the insect hotel 😊👍 As for the soil erosion, it is getting the gradient of the side right so that it isn’t too steep for the soil to stay there on its own. The plants will certainly help the soil stay put when their roots become established, just like on a bank next to a road with trees on it etc. Hope that helps. Here if you need any more advice 👍😁
Hi Joel. Wow I cannot wait to start. What I like is the natural organic way to keep the water clear. I live in Cape Town, South Africa. I need to know what plants I can use inside the pond to keep the water clear. I have alot of bird life and I also live very near a vlei (like a big dam) with lots of wildlife. I want to incorporate the wildlife into my garden. Felicity Jacobs, Cape Town, South Africa
Capetown... sigh... one of the places on my "must visit asap" list! I am absolutely thrilled this video is encouraging you to make a pond in this way and to know it's going to be in one of the areas I might visit one day is great :) To keep the pond clear I believe you'll have access to hornwort (sometimes known as coontail) and this is one of the best oxygenators to keep ponds clear. I always recommend about 60 to 70% of surface coverage with lilies or other native floating leaved plants to keep the water clear and cool. I am not sure if you have seen this short video of a few of the many ponds I've created in this way, but it might be helpful and give you some ideas: ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html I hope this helps, thanks so much for your support and I hope you enjoy the rest of the channel - best wishes to you and yours in Cape Town (you lucky girl!) - Joel
Hi Joel, thank you so much for all your videos. They inspired us to create a 2m x 2m pond which is very exciting. Also ordered your book for more inspiration! We dug our pond two days ago. We are now experiencing a lot of wicking, losing about 2 inches overnight. Is this normal and would it be wise to top up every morning? Thanks again and keep up the good work Joel!
I love how you make your ponds (and especially how the finished job looks). While I’ve always done them in a similar manner, I’ve never used the second layer of fleece as a protective layer for the subsoil that I add back in - that’s a tip that I’ll definitely take away from this. In fact, I don’t know why I never thought about it before - thank you! I would like to ask you one question, though... I’ve moved to a place with slightly warmer/dryer summers than I’m used to, and I’d love to know if you have ever experienced any (serious) issues with water ‘wicking’ out of a pond due to the overlapping soil and plant roots? I’m looking to dig a wildlife pond with a +/- 5000 gallon capacity and I’m a bit concerned that the increased perimeter edge will cause problems with water loss. Your thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks again for the great content!
Hi Craig - thanks for such positive comments, appreciated! Yep, the top layer of subsoil allows planting direct into the soil and the fleece helps keep it in place and of course protect the liner - I've done huge ponds for clients in the past and they've never failed, they do wick as all ponds like this one do in the beginning but they establish pretty quickly - here's a larger one we did last winter, I've got to go back and film again now the planting has established, but you might appreciate these, just a few I've created over the last 16 years: ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html Best wishes - Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks for the link - those are some stunning creations that you must be very proud of. Many thanks for taking the time to reply to my question, too. I greatly appreciate it. All the best - Craig
@@Craig_Humphries You're very welcome Craig, I hope you enjoy the channel - I'm very grateful for your support :) Best wishes and have a great weekend - Joel
Such a great series, thank you so much! Do you have any suggestions to deter feral/pet cats allowed to free roam while not affecting wildlife? My neighbors’ cats are always SOAKING THEMSELVES in birdbaths the area, pathogenic *nightmare*.
Thank you SO much for these videos - they’ve been a life-saver! We’ve got the pond pretty well dug out now and I need to order the plants. Could you give me an idea of how many we’ll need, please? The pond is very similar to the one in the video and measures 2m x 3m. I tried counting from your video, but you were moving too fast! 😂 I was reckoning on about 30 marginals (taken from your list in ‘Wild Your Garden’ plus 3 Hard Rush, 3 Lesser Pond Sedge as emergents 3 Hornwort and 3 Millefoil for oxygenators and a bunch of Broad-leaved Pond Weed Does that seem about right? Any help you can give will be very gratefully accepted!
Hi Sue - this is so good to hear, thank you, another vital habitat made! If you send an email to my colleague Jodie at enquiries@wildyourgarden.com she will be able to advise on plants/quantity for the size pond you're doing - do mention that it's the same as in the instructional video on YT and she'll liaise with me - we'll be happy to help :) Best wishes - Joel
For anyone looking to make their own wildlife pond in the UK, all the products available here are from the very same specialist growers and suppliers that I use in my own projects and have done for the last 20 years - pond liner, fleece, pond plants AND subsoil that I talk about in this video 😊👇
wildyourgarden.com/product/pond-liners-2-4m-to-15-2m-other-sizes-available/
We offer free, tailored advice to all our Wild Your Garden customers.
We also sell many other products that will help attract more wildlife to your garden or green space 👍
Thank you for watching and supporting our family run business. 😊👍
The great feature of these videos are how you do things having in mind wildlife needs, not just "how it looks". You can see there is passion in what you do and love for wildlife.
Thank you, I really appreciate that :) These have to be pleasing to the eye to an extent so that people are encouraged to have ponds by this method, but the benefits to nature are unlimited - thanks so much for your support, it means a lot - best wishes, Joel
I have watched this video twice now ,once alone and now I have my husband involved the book is ordered arriving tomorrow thank you for this thanks to you I have started the most amazing wildlife pond , the explanation of plants , insects etc was so valuable for me I am so excited! 🙏🏻♥️
Hello there! :) I am so glad that it's been helpful and I hope the book is too - if you need any materials or plants etc then we have a vast amount on the website at www.wildyourgarden.com - I'm really excited too! Best wishes, Joel
I have very clayey subsoil, will this have too many nutrients to put in the pond? Some of the subsoil is white it’s got so much clay
This series of videos has been extremely helpful and reassuring to me. I'm building a pond at the moment and it's good to know that I'm on the right track.. :) Actually seeing you build it and all the info you give is much more useful than anything else I've come across so far.
Wow Ann, thanks so much for your comment - that's made my day :) So glad these were of help to you, I'm determined that people are aware of making as many habitats as possible, to give more and more spaces for the creatures in need :) I'm always here if you have any other questions/need advice - best wishes, Joel
Thank you for your wonderfully clear and helpful videos. İ am inspired and feel more confident in starting a wildlife pond ❤
You’re very welcome 😊 Feel free to drop me a line at enquiries@wildyourgarden.com and I’d be happy to help advise you further if I can 😊👍❤️
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton oh thank you, that's very kind of you 🥰
@karenlove4025 Anytime 😊 If you’re in the UK and looking to buy a liner, fleece and all the pond plants in the video, we can supply them for you through www.wildyourgarden.com and I’m of course happy to recommend plant quantities etc😊❤️
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Fab! I'm still deciding where to position everything in my new garden so it won't be for a little while yet. I had thought about putting the pond in a shady area (as had been mentioned in a previous video I had watched from someone) but I am now looking at sunnier spots
I discovered you a few days ago and love everything you do. This was so infomative. I made a little pond last year and although it's pretty, my liner is showing a little in the pond so I'm going to redo everything with the extra fleece on top and soil. I love that you not just build ponds but you care so much for all the insects, birds, animals and plants. That's always been my way of thinking and I have never came across anybody that really cares about all of them. LOVE it. Thank you so much.
Hi Charlotte, thank you so much for your kind comment, I really appreciate your encouragement and support, it makes a difference :) I've been doing this for over 17 years now and to see the change in people's gardening perspectives is just wonderful, I am so glad the channel and book are encouraging more and more people and showing how rewarding it can be. There are certainly an increasing amount of desperate creatures in need of our help, and where best to start than our own green spaces? Thanks again, best wishes - Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Your'e very welcome. I forgot to tell you. We live on over 7 acres and this year i am going to put in a bigger pond as well and also not mow a big area for all the wild flowers. Every year i get rid of more grass and plant lots of flowers. I live in Wisconsin, USA so the 6 month winters are long and aweful but I am very excited about all the new things I'm going to do to the garden this year. Keep up the good work!
Fantastic! I'd love to see that 7 acres, if you get a chance I'd be so pleased to see some photos, you can send an email to me at hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com :) What a fantastic thing you're doing, there will be many grateful creatures I am sure - best wishes, Joel
Oh Joel what a lovely pond you got there, i would certainly love an update on this wildlife haven once it gets going !
Hi Amanda. Thanks for commenting. I’ll be sure to pay a return visit to this pond next year and update you 😊
a tip: you can watch movies at flixzone. Me and my gf have been using them for watching lots of of movies recently.
@Kyler Malachi Yup, I've been watching on flixzone for since december myself :)
@Kyler Malachi definitely, been using flixzone for months myself =)
Truly inspiring video, I was about to dig a medium sized wildlife pond in my garden and would have made many mistakes without watching this first. Thank you Joel, wildlife is safe in your hands!
You’re an artist Joel. Beautiful.
so beautiful so natural...so realistic
Sounds like the birds are watching you. Excited!
That’s the next addition to the garden!
Brilliant! So glad you are going to make such a vital habitat - if you need any advice or materials etc, we sell everything I use in my own projects on www.wildyourgarden.com and we're happy to advise and help with quantities, liner, fleece, plants and even subsoil if needed. Feel free to drop us a line. Have a great weekend, best wishes - Joel
I have wanted to do a pond for years I just lucked up on your videos I am so happy! I am retired and have been turning my yard into a native habitat. I will be doing my pond before the summer is over.Your videos have inspired me to not wait any longer.Thanks 29:32
Hi Debra, thanks so much for this, although I know there are many landscapers out there watching these videos too, the channel was set up for people just like you that can make these in their own gardens and these habitats are vital - you will be rewarded for your efforts, I promise 🥰
Always good to watch! Thanks Joel. To anybody thinking of buying Joel’s book, I highly recommend it 👍
Wow, thanks Marco - quite an accolade! Seriously, thanks for your constant support and if there's anything additional you need to know, just send a message and I'll be happy to help :)
Best wildlife garden book I've come across.
Loved this series.
Thank you 😊 Really hope it proves useful 👍
I can't wait to do this now! Especially after watching this series. Fantastic job and really well explained too 😁
Hey Cheyne - thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a positive comment, your support is really appreciated :) Glad these are of help and even more glad that another habitat is being made for the wildlife so desperately in need - best wishes, Joel
My new favourite channel.
Thank you Ed - I really appreciate you leaving this comment, positivity really does make a difference :) Best wishes, Joel
Many thanks for making the vid. The mrs has been banging on about me making her a wildlife pond but I have been at a loss how to do it. Your 3 vids make it look easy to do, but as always you have many years of experience to make it look easy. Anyways, measuring up and costing the mats. Btw, just bought the book. Thanks for being generous with the info. Best vid I've seen.
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive comment, I really appreciate it :) Really glad the channel has been helpful - if you need the fleece, liner, plants etc you can find them on the website I set up to go hand-in-hand with the book so all the items mentioned can be purchased in one place :) www.wildyourgarden.com - awful "plug" I know, but the reason I set the website up was due to so many people asking where they could get the items mentioned and the wholesalers I use are unable to sell to the public directly. Best wishes to you and the Mrs :) Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Plug your website all you want! I have been looking for a good resource.
I have just watched the three videos back to back Joel. What an oasis that pond has no doubt become. They are a masterclass and a credit to you. I have learned loads. A friend of mine has asked for my help to add a pond to his garden and now I can't wait to get at it 😊. I love the selection of plants you are stocking the pond with and their importance to our wildlife. Purple Loosestrife has always been a particularly favourite of mine. Your knowledge, manner and enthusiasm are an inspiration and a joy to behold. Thank you. Paul 👍😊 #natureistheantidote
Hey Paul - thanks so much. Fantastic to know yet another vital habitat will be made for creatures so desperately in need :) The plants will be available at www.wildyourgarden.com around beginning of April as they're all still asleep at the moment, not long to wait though, and it won't stop the build of the pond and animals using it - if you need liner and fleece it's available in the shop too :) Best wishes, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thank you Joel. I am putting a materials and plant list together and will be perusing the website soon 👍😊
@@PaulOutdoors Any advice you need Paul, we'll be there :) Thanks ever so much - Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thank you Joel I really appreciate that 😊
Superb "how to" videos. Relaxed presenting style suits me perfectly. Well done!
Thanks David, so much. I really do appreciate your kind words and encouragement, they can make a world of difference :) Very best wishes, Joel
I wish we had hedge hogs here in Ohio! They are adorable! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Charles, I wish there were more of them here to be honest, we've lost so many over the years due to habitat loss, a lack of natural food etc and we really should start to treasure them before it's too late. Hopefully people watching the channel will learn to care for them and consider them when planning their gardens. Great to hear from you all the way over in Ohio, hope you had a good weekend - best wishes, Joel
Fantastic advise watched all 3 parts and enjoyed everyone. Can't wait to get out in the garden and get started. Thank you
Thanks for taking the time to reply Simon - it means a lot - it's been quite a while coming but you can imagine the time it takes to make this as comprehensive as possible - best wishes and good luck with the pond, don't forget I'm here if you need any help, just leave a comment or email me at hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com
Brilliant design! I particularly love the fact your design doesn’t require pumps or filters that require electricity, wiring, and ongoing electricity cost. One question I have is how clear does the water get and how long does it take for it to clear up?
Great videos to kick start “Project Wildlife Pond”
Thanks Keith - really appreciate your kind comment - if you've not seen already, do go to the "videos" section on the channel and you'll see lots more ponds and designs - best of luck - Joel
I’ve loved all three of these videos ! Brilliant
Thanks ever so much Gareth, I really appreciate the encouragement and support, welcome to the channel and I hope you find the many videos available of help. Best wishes, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton I've just got to convince my beautiful wife that we need a pond !! 😉
@@garethsmith6998 🤣 Willing to help if you need me!
I love hornwort. But get ready to clear some out every once in a while as well.
Yes! It's a wonderful oxygenator :) Best wishes, Joel
Thank you, Joel! Your elaboration on choice of plants is fantastic. Knowing how wildlife utilise plants really helps in finding substitutes local to my area, other side of the globe :) Absolutely appreciate your work!
Hello! Sorry for the delay, I am so glad that you enjoyed the videos, and I really appreciate your support and kind comments, they make all the difference to me :) If you need any help, feel free to ask - best wishes, Joel
Absolutely wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing! ❤
Thank you Margie, I really appreciate this, apologies for the delay in acknowledging you but so many comments across the channel I'm trying to keep up with :) But your encouragement and support really helps. Best wishes, Joel
thank you buying your book and creating a pond this summer awesome sauce
Thank you Ruth, so much - if you're living in the UK we have everything you need to create these ponds, from specialists that I have used for over 20 years, so if you need help with measurements, plants etc always feel free to drop me a line at enquiries@wildyourgarden.com - thank you again and best wishes - Joel
💖💖💖🕊️💖💖💖Really loving this series thank you so much! God bless you all, ✝️🕊️❤️
Absolutely thrilled - thank you! If you have any questions I'm always here, if you have the time on Sunday 31st Jan at 3pm (GMT) then there is a live Q&A, would love you to join us if you can, we have a great community on here - so pleased you're making a much needed space for wildlife - best wishes, Joel :)
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton ill definitely try to make it im in Northern USA but sounds awesome thank you for the reply, I'm obsessed with nature I pretty much live in the woods 😂 take care God bless you!
@@SereneSoakingSounds That sounds a good place to live! ;) I'll be doing an update before Sunday with the relevant times for people across the globe, I'll also publish it after the event if that's helpful, but do hope you can join us - from the woods! ;) Best wishes, Joel
@@SereneSoakingSounds it would be great to "see" you there next Sunday :-) Nature is a great healer and has certainly got me through some rough times. Take care :-)
Man,you’re awesome,thanks for the your incredible insight and experience.
Gonna try a small wildlife pond here in the States
Yep! This is how I’m going to do my one. Looks brilliant Joel 👌🏻
Great - so glad it was of help George - let me know if you need any additional advice etc and I'll see you soon anyway :) Best wishes, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton I definitely will Joel. Thank you 😊
Thank you very much for this series of pond video's, I am just in the process of putting in a pond and by the looks of it would have made some daft errors had I not taken the time to watch these and would have ended up with avoidable problems to surmount at a later stage. So again thank you.
Hi Bob - it's comments like yours that make all the effort worthwhile :) I am absolutely thrilled these have been helpful to you, and knowing that there's another habitat for wildlife on the horizon makes it even better - I really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a positive comment, it makes all the difference :) Best wishes to you, Joel
Thank you for providing these extremely informative videos Joel. They are fantastic! And I hope they inspire many people to create bio-diverse ponds of their own.
Thank you Alex - I really appreciate your support and kind words, they're not easy to make - well, relatively easy but it's the editing and uploading that takes so long. I do hope you find the channel helpful and that it encourages others to make spaces for wildlife so desperately in need right now - best wishes to you and yours - Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton
The dirt in the bottom doesn’t promote algae as long as you have oxygenating plants?
I've only recently discovered your videos and am now binge watching. This series is great as I want to replace the rigid plastic pond I put in years ago with something bigger and more natural. The pond I installed has done a job but at only 50cm deep, was unable to stop the only female frog who visited being frozen to death (I've never had spawn). So I want to create a new one 3 feet deep but can't go any wider than this one here.
Hi Ray! Thank you so much. I was just literally reading your email to us :) So sorry to hear about the female frog, but I'm just about to reply to you - look out for an email from enquiries@hazelwoodlandscapes.com - best wishes, Joel
Hi Joel, thank you so much for this video! We live in Devon by the coast and are planning to create a wildlife pond this month. I had planned to use just your technique of fleece-liner-fleece-subsoil, but was/am a bit worried that I will end up with a large, muddy hole! :-) Your video has given me the confidence to go ahead. So excited! Thank you!!!
Wonderful to read this Marie-Christine, I am really glad the videos helped. We sell everything you need at www.wildyourgarden.com - the same materials/plants etc that I use for my own projects. We're more than happy to advise on sizes/quantities and any other help you might need - do feel free to drop us a no-obligation email to enquiries@wildyourgarden.com. I really appreciate your kind words, they make a difference :) Best wishes, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thank you for your response! Will definitely check out your website. Your videos are a real inspiration. Thank you!
Amazing, left an Abo. Very good explained totally beautiful.
Greetings from Germany 🌿🌸🙋♀️
Thank you Christie, I really appreciate your kind words and support - best wishes, Joel
Hi Joel. I've watched this 3-part series twice and am about to move forward with my pond based on your brilliant design recommendations. I have one concern though: is there no problem with water seeping behind the liner at the cut edges? Thanks so much for making these videos for us! I made my first pond last year and I'm on a mission to educate Americans about the natural pond technique. It's unusual here, and we need many more of these.
Brilliant mini series Joel!
Thank you Karlito :) I hope this explains how easy this method is and why it is good for wildlife :) Best wishes - Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton definitely helped me get my head round how I will go about planning a wildlife pond.
@@karlitobergkamp8082 Brilliant! Another important habitat for wildlife - thank you! :)
I have watched so many pond videos that I paralysed myself with information. Your videos have been very informative and answered all the little questions I have been concerned about. I live in Perthshire in Scotland, and although my pond is small I am sure it will make a difference to the wildlife in my garden. Thank you very much.
Great video! Thanks so much. You've given me more ideas for the wildlife pond I built last year. One warning for people in the US: purple loosestrife is incredibly invasive here, and is strongly discouraged or outlawed in many states. Check before you buy ...
Would love to see an update on this pond in a few months 😊
Hi Deborah - I need to get back to this client's pond, I work all over the country so it's difficult getting back to specific places, but this one is firmly on my list :) If you wanted to see how these ponds look after a couple of weeks, you might like this short video on just a few of the many created using this method over the last 18 years:
ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html
Best wishes - Joel
I've really enjoyed these 3 videos and feel inspired to start digging, thank you.
Thank you so much - I am absolutely thrilled when these videos encourage others to make a space with wildlife in mind - you will be rewarded I promise :) Really appreciate your positive comment, it makes all the difference - best wishes to you, Joel
Aloha from Hawaii - I so enjoyed your three part series!!!! I am looking forward to creating some of these! I'm sure I won't be able to stop at just one! I wholeheartedly love your approach to bringing wildlife into the garden and supporting the local ecology. SO refreshing!!!!! And honestly - I really enjoyed those little hedgehogs!!!
Aloha! So wonderful to read your positive comment, it really does make a difference to me and I really appreciate your support - I do hope you enjoy the channel, I'm here if you need any help - best wishes, Joel
Excellent videos...thank you very much.
Thanks Rodney - really appreciate you taking the time to let me know - I'm so glad they have been of use, there are lots more on the channel, so do drop by again - best wishes, Joel
You’re very talented and smart
You're very kind Mary :) I really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a nice comment, I hope you enjoy the channel and find it helpful - best wishes, Joel
Nice pond!
Thanks for taking the time to comment, I do appreciate it and it's very encouraging :)
Very informative series, thank you so much
Hi there :) So glad that this was helpful to you - if you're in the UK and thinking about constructing one of these then we do have everything you need at www.wildyourgarden.com - everything I use in my own projects - thanks for taking the time to leave such a nice comment, it really does make a difference. Best wishes, Joel
Nice job chap! I clear out one of my clients wildlife ponds when necessary. I always search meticulously whatever I take out. We have a thriving community of great crested newts, Dragon and Damsal flies, and more snails than you can poke a stick at!
Brilliant series of videos (1,2,3) man. Have been prepping to do a wildlife pond, now it all looks so easy, (not) 😆😅
🤣If you're in the UK and need any additional questions answered or help at all then feel free to drop me a line at enquiries@wildyourgarden.com - I'm more than happy to help if there's another vital habitat that can be built! I appreciate the encouragement and support though, best wishes - Joel
Inspirational and very Well covering Everything! New Subscriber
Thank you Jenny, I really appreciate your kind words. Welcome to the channel, there are over 300 helpful videos now and I hope you find more of interest. Very best wishes - Joel
Superb series of videos Joel. I am looking to make a wildlife pond for a friend & found your tutorials. Extremely well done & very helpful. Earnt a new subscriber. THANK YOU
You're so very welcome Ben, if you're in the UK then don't forget we have the www.wildyourgarden.com online shop where we can supply absolutely everything you need. The suppliers and growers we use are the very same people I have been using for my own projects over the last 18 years. We're also happy to offer advice, feel free to drop me a line at enquiries@wildyourgarden.com. Best wishes, and thanks so much for your kind words - another habitat being made is fantastic! Joel
I watched the time lapse video for this pond. Then the full 3 series. We are looking to make a shallow (for child safety) wildlife pond in a Japanese garden. This size and type of pond will work if adapted slightly by adding more stones in the well to make it shallow that can be removed in the future. Thanks for the inspiration and good explanations. No shameless plugging of your book all the way through you waited until the end.
I bought it straight away though. Lol
Absolutely thrilled Chris, thank you so much. That's a brilliant idea re adding more stones and of course they can be removed in the future - the pond will still be a haven for so much wildlife. I'm so pleased that there's another pond on the way for nature - I'm here if you have any other questions or need advice, and lastly, thank you so much for buying the book - that did make me laugh! Best wishes to you and yours Chris - Joel
It’s art really🌺
Thank you Joanna - I appreciate your support - best wishes, Joel
This was so incredibly helpful and gave me so many ideas. 🐸
I'm so glad Jules - so sorry for the delay in acknowledging you but I have been on a large project and finding it difficult to keep up with everyone at the moment. But I want you to know that your kind words and encouragement do make a difference. So glad this has been helpful to you - lots more advice and ideas on the channel :) Best wishes, Joel
thank you so much for this....our yard needs one so this is perfect!
Omf that was so brilliant im definitely going to do one in my garden x
Wow - thanks Lorina - sorry for the delay in responding but I am not getting all notifications for the comments, I really appreciate your comment and support though :) Best wishes, Joel
Second time I watch this three part series and it's so beautiful and inspiring! Really full of info. Is there an update on this pond? I'd love to see how it has developed ☺️
Hi there :) That's so good to hear, I hope it encourages you to make your own pond. Unfortunately, with the current workload I've been unable to return to this client's pond yet - but I will do as I am keen to do an update video, just no time at the moment. But if you wanted to see how these establish then there is a short video here of just a few of the many ponds I have created this way - it may give you some more ideas too :)
ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html
I hope that it is helpful to you - best wishes to you and yours - Joel
Wow you are amazing! Thank you for sharing. I learned so much!!!! I can wait to do this myself. You were so through I greatly appreciate your knowledge:) I love the way it truly will fit perfectly into your clients esthetic. Well done.
Thank you Christine, so much - I plan to return to the garden and do an update video on the pond as soon as work commitments mean I'm in the area - I work countrywide so getting back to see updates on the works is sometimes difficult, but I'll be sure to upload an update when Spring is here. I really appreciate your support, I do hope you enjoy the rest of the channel, there are lots of pond-themed videos on the channel as well as other wild-life gardening tips. Best wishes, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton I surely will. Have a wonderful Saturday
It would be great to see you revisit this pond to see how it has established. Love your videos and content. You've inspired me with so much of my own garden. A pond is my project for next year and I can't wait. It's my ultimate garden desire.
Hi there - I can't wait to get back to this client's pond when time allows but working all over the country means that I've not been in that area again yet. Apologies if you've already seen this particular video but it's a short one of just a few of the many ponds made using this method and how they establish in as little as a few weeks:
ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html
Best wishes - Joel
This is so informative! Thank you so much! Would love to see your thoughts on if you can incorporate running water(fountain) at one end of a larger wildlife pond and what to think about not to affect habitats.Also, can you add any native fish to wildlife ponds?
Hi Erin - thank you, so glad this was helpful. You can incorporate running water - I'll put a link below to a video so you can see one of the many installed before - it's the filters you have to be careful of due to them "sucking" up most tiny creatures, but in these ponds there's no need for filtration or running water as the oxygenating plants keep these ponds clear. Fish that will only grow to a small size are fine but they will of course add nutrient to the pond with waste and encourage algae - here's that video:
ua-cam.com/video/BrvhfJ_cc_E/v-deo.html
Best wishes, and welcome to the channel - Joel
Joel, can you recommend a supplier of subsoil and also pebbles? Not sure what quantities to order for a similar size pond, I'm in SW London. Many thanks.
Hi there - thanks for your comment/questions - I'm out on site at the moment, but if you could send an email to hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com then I can address this for you and point you in the right direction :)
Thank you so much! A brilliant series of videos, so informative. I loved the recommended plants.
You're very welcome Scott - glad this was of help - if you haven't bought any plants yet they will be available from April time as they're all still dormant at the moment but if you visit us at www.wildyourgarden.com we have all the plants there that you'll need, along with the recommended liner, fleece etc - thanks ever so much for your support and kind words, it makes a difference :) Best wishes, Joel
Thanks so much for this. Is there any chance of writing these plants out? Its hard for me to find and go back to hear what you said before.
Also if you put links to amazon plants you could make money from the affiliate sales.
There’s quite a few to name but I have a full list in my book - Wild Your Garden if you’re interested? Otherwise, I’m happy to name some of them. Thank you 😊
Beautiful work!
Thank you so much! utmost apologies for the delay in responding, I don't seem to be getting all the notifications re comments and am having to trawl the videos to ensure I'm acknowledging everyone. I really appreciate your support though :) Best wishes, Joel
Thanks for your brilliant informative videos. I have a question - can you use aquatic soil rather than sub soil?
I love the natural look of your ponds, i have one question about the way you cover the liner with soil.
Won´t the capillary function of the soil on the edge pull the water out of the pond and into the dry soil outside the liner? When i have just a tiny bit of soil overlapping inside and outside my pond it will gradually drain the water from my pond.
I had to make sure the liner edge was only covered by stones and gravel to solve this issue but i like the more natural look of the soil way more.
Hi there, when the ponds are initially built the soil will wick a certain amount, but after they are established and the marginal planting has been done correctly then there is no further loss of water via the soil - there is water loss during hot or very windy weather, but that applies to any pond with evaporation of water. I hope that this helps, best wishes - Joel
This was a total eye-opener and a great help thank you. I was about to head off in quite the wrong direction I now see. All the best. Happy to subscribe for more.
Hi Norman :) Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a positive comment, I really appreciate it. I'm really glad that the videos were of help to you - there are lots more on the channel but if you wanted to see a few of the other ponds I've created over 15 years you can find a short video here, might provide some more inspiration:
ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html
Best wishes, and thanks again - Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks for the link. Off to check out the examples. Oh, and I have picked out my spot in the garden! :-).
@@normancoutts Great to hear, do let me know how you get on, would love to see some photos when you're done - you can reach me at hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com :) Best of luck, here if you need any advice - Joel
Great trio of highly inspirational and educational films. We'll certainly be following your ideas.
Quick question:- We're in Birmingham, West Midlands. Our Top-soil is clay, dig down to a spades depth and you find clay that is blue/grey or yellow/grey ! Given this, would you use such clay as a pond sub-soil in the way you explained or something else ?
If it's not suitable, what would you recommend ?
Thanks again, Regards, Andrew
An amazing job 💯. Thanks 👍
Very informative and entertaining videos. I'm following your design and have just ordered the fleece and liner from your shop. I'm already expecting to need gravel in the 'well' bottom and wondered if you would kindly recommend a size or type for this function. There seem to be many different types out there and I'm keen to get it right for my parents as this is a gift for them. Many thanks in advance.
Hi Sanjay - I am so sorry for the delay in responding to you, it's our busiest time of year and of course the recent heatwave has meant that we've had to work extra hours and weekends to catch up with the days that were lost due to excessive heat. Please do send me an email to hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com and I'll happily help and advise, it will be easier to send photos to me there too - I really appreciate you using the shop, very much - thank you and best wishes - Joel
Thanks for the video’s Joel I wish I saw these Vedic before starting mine as I fill like I built my pond completely wrong as there where mix answer for putting soil into the pond or in my case a large pond about 30ft fill like when summer comes next year I think I will need to do some think about it as it’s still fairly new.
If I could send you some pictures some how would you be able to give me some advice if that’s ok where iv gone wrong. 😑 thanks Stuart.
Hi Stuart. Thank you for your comment. Absolutely, please do get in touch via my email address - hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com and I’d be happy to answer any questions. Thanks Stuart.
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thank you.
This 3 part series was so inspiring, thank you! I am just starting to build the knowledge (from a base of not a lot!) to do exactly this for myself and I'm so excited to get started. This step by step guide is really useful to give people like me the confidence to give it a go. Question if you see this comment... what would you do with the verges around the pond that are adjacent to the lawn to help it look natural and not fill with weeds?
Thank you, so very much Oliver - what a lovely comment and it really does spur me on to read that so many people are considering ponds, they're so important for nature :) With the edges, if left with soil, like the one in the video, I would usually sow a pond-edge wildflower seed mixture, which would be damp loving wildflowers and grasses - if you need any more help and are free on Sunday 28th at 3pm do join us as I'll be speaking about my garden and the pond in it :) Happy to help here if you can't make it of course. Really appreciate you taking the time to leave your comment, best wishes - Joel
Hi Joel, really love what you do and the enthusiasm you do it with! One thing though…I’ve watched several of your pond creation videos and it strikes me that most times there seems to be an awful lot of liner wastage, I mean really a lot! As you know, that stuff ain’t cheap and it isn’t a natural product. I’d be curious to understand your reasoning on this one thing. Keep up the great work, warm regards Simon 😊
Hi Simon. There is indeed some wastage, but this is used for either bog gardens or for the tips of compost heaps etc. The liners are all made from 100% recycled tyres and are recommended by Greenpeace. Sometimes I am not able to visit the site prior to implementing the works, so I always order plenty as it’s better than being short! Hope this helps and thanks for the support 😊👍
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks for replying so quickly Joel…I can see that you are a busy fella.! The recycled tyre liner sounds interesting, must check that out…I’ve always used 1mm butyl. Perhaps it’s time to rethink that one?? Anyway, really love the way you’re spreading “the message”, you are doing a great job at it!! If by chance you ever find yourself in Edinburgh or Glasgow (my girlfriend lives in the latter) give me a shout, I’ll take you for a pint…I think we have a lot in common! Thanks again S 😀
@@simonwhite5535 thanks so much Simon. I’d love to go for that pint. Drop me a line at hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.cos and we can exchange numbers and keep in touch 😊👍
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Will do 🐝🦇🐞
Hi Joel, love the videos. Is purple loosestrife more attractive to insects than the yellow?
Hi Michelle. Thank you for commenting - really glad you’re enjoying the videos. I would say Purple Loosestrife tops Yellow Loosestrife. But that’s only going off my observations 😊👍
Hi Joel, thanks for the really great resources you have contributed to this channel. You have inspired me to create a wildlife pond on my property in Fort Collins Colorado. I purchased your book to support your work and get the comprehensive list of plants you said it contains. I have a few questions: do you think I can create a pond in this environment that does not require any aerating pumps or filtration? I ask because I have contacted a local pond guy who thought algae would become an issue given the amount of sunny days we get here as well as the intensity. Also the area I would have for the pond gets full sun most of the day. I noted that you mentioned keeping the pond surface covered 60-70% with floating plants seems to be one key and having good supply of oxygenating plants is also important but should I put in a bog filter just in case? Thanks for any advice you may have.
Hi! Thanks for the lovely comment and support. I’m so pleased you’re building a wildlife pond 😊👍 If you go big enough, there should be no need for a filtration system/pump, as amphibians tend to prefer still water for breeding. However, you can do both if the pond is big enough, as it will certainly help with aeration. Smaller ponds will suffer from algal blooms as the water will warm up faster and provide the perfect environment for the blanket weed etc. I hope this helps and do send some pics of the pond to enquiries@wildyourgarden.com so that I can see your efforts! 😊 All the best. Joel
thanks for all the advice you have given in these videos, I have ended up coping your design. one thing I am struggling with, is purchasing some boulder for my pond, any help with that would be amazing what kind of stone/ where sells to independent small projects (Hampshire), thank you
Good stuff! Bought yer book, thx.
Awesome, thank you! Really appreciate your support John - best wishes to you and yours, Joel
This is a great video series with lots of useful information and tips. Would you have to fill it up with water fairly often in summer?
Hi there! So sorry for the delay in responding to you, I've been away on large projects around the UK so am just catching up with everyone. Firstly, thank you for your kind words, they really do make a difference after a hard day at work! These ponds only need replenishing in very dry/hot weather (wind also plays a part in evaporation of water) but they don't need replenishing anymore than a standard/fibreglass pond. I hope that this helps - here's a short video of just a few of the many ponds I've created over the last 18 years - it should show you how beautiful and useful for nature these become, in as little as a few weeks:
ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html
Very best wishes, and thank you again - Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks for your reply Joel. It must be difficult to keep up with the comments when you’re so busy. That’s good to hear about replenishing the pond. A useful second video too. Thanks again. Seán.
A very nice and informativ video. A wildlife pond like this, does it need spescial care to prevent algae or does the pond "the work" it self?
When choosing the logs what species do you recommend? So they have to be well air dried and is coastal drift wood a no-no because of salt?
Hi. I would use semi rotten logs. Any are fine, as they will have different qualities. I agree and would avoid using driftwood. For the perch, anything air dried and solid will work. Hope that helps 😊👍
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton great cheers. I'll keep my eye out next time I'm on a woodland walk!
@@tuscan440r no problem at all. Happy to help. Make sure you don’t take any existing habitat 😊👍
I've also just watched this series back to back. Wonderful! Your time and detail is so appreciated!
I am located in the Chicago area, zone 5B, so it can be in the teens Fahrenheit (at least overnight) for much of December thru February.
I'm slowly but surely getting rid of my grass and moving more toward a permaculture garden style.
Would love to have this type/size pond in my yard but am wondering if it's too cold here for this natural style.
I'd hate to kill any wildlife making a home in the pond as the water would assuredly freeze in the winter.
Hi there - most amphibians will leave a pond and hibernate in undergrowth, woodpiles and similar habitat during the winter and other creatures like dragonflies etc will stay at the bottom of the pond, obviously the deeper you can make the pond the better - hope this helps encourage you to make one of these fantastic habitats for wildlife, the rewards in Spring, Summer and Autumn with creatures that visit will make it worth your while :) Best wishes, and thanks for your kind words - Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thank you. That's very encouraging!
Pound dug (3.4 M long x 2.6 M wide), teardrop shap. Used the subsoil but mainly clay dug from pond and another part of garden. Very cloudy for 2 days but after that clear. Sides all trimed and covered with the remaining sub soil/clay. Looks great! thanks to your advice. Realised I'm not 21 anymore! Question: it's late September; is it too late in the year to plant out?
Hi there! So sorry for the delay in responding, up to my eyes in client meadow cuts at the moment. I really appreciate hearing how the advice has helped and it sounds like you've done a fantastic job! Re planting out, autumn is the best time as it allows the plants to get their "feet" in and establish in time for the colder weather. The actual pond plants/oxygenators will die down over winter but re-emerge in Spring :) We have plants available at www.wilgyourgarden.com - Hope this is helpful - have a good rest soon and daydream over winter about how you will be rewarded in Spring - best wishes to you and yours - Joel
I am very very like yours videos.because my favorite pets are 🐟 fishes . l will make a small aquarium in my house.in next years. I like to be your friend broo & I like to meet you . If you come srilnka I will meet you.
That's great, do let me know how you get on with the small pond! If I make it to Sri Lanka next year I will let you know - feel free to email me at hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com and we can keep in touch.
My pond is smaller than this but just liner and no soil except in the deepest part. Frogs use it and we get plenty of tadpoles but not as good as it could be I feel after watching your videos.
Thanks for commenting Tracy. At least you have a pond and it is providing a habitat for wildlife 😊 there’s always room to add a few more plants 👍
Hi, Fantastic informative videos. I have recently moved into my present house and whilst reorganising the garden we came across a Great Crested Newt, which was exciting, so we thought to build a wildlife pond. however the garden is quite narrow. Any way, a long story short...a neighbour gave us a new preformed pond, quite big 120cmx 80cm, we have so far dug the hole and inserted the pond, my question is, should we put in subsoil on bottom and on the ledges? I can't imagine that it would stay there...?....we shall put in rocks, pebbles, etc and build slopes so there are exits and entrances....... We have a rain water butt so will fill it with that, and buy the plants you recommend. Also thought to get a solar water fountain to aerate the water, any tips recommendations for preformed ponds welcome. Many thanks , Carol, Kent uk
Hi there :) Thanks so much for your kind words - they do make a difference :) What a fantastic find, I often have people saying that they find frogs/newts in their gardens and they don't even have a pond. This is usually autumn time onwards when they will have left ponds - they will use ponds primarily for breeding and once the season is over they are often found in gardens finding insects, invertebrates etc to dine on :) You're right re the subsoil not settling in a pre-formed pond, so don't worry about that. You won't need any artificial filtration once you have the right pond plants in Carol, you will certainly have an effective pond by what you have described above, and you've obviously put a lot of thought into this - please do feel free to send me an email to hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com and maybe a few photos and I can give you some pointers to ensure it is a success :) Best wishes to you and yours - Joel
Hello , really liked your 3part video! I live in canada ….Ontario . Would your book help me build this pond here in my backyard?
What are the specifications of the fleece liner used? I'm based in the US and would love to follow the methods in this video to build a wildlife pond, but I'm not sure where to access the appropriate fleece material.
Hi, I really enjoyed the video and would like to convert my preformed fibreglass pond into a wildlife pond like the one you have created . I was thinking of either using sand to help make the sloping 'beach' area, or perhaps using mortar to make a rocky slope that the birds could walk on, as preformed ponds all have steep edges. I would be interested in any comments you may have.
Hi there Sharon :) Unfortunately, sand won't have much "substance" and will likely soon find it's way to the bottom, heavy rain etc. It may be best to make some cobbled areas, placing the stones inside and in a ramp fashion as you suggest, set in concrete to keep them in place. I would of course recommend emptying the pond first to do this and temporarily moving the wildlife into buckets until the mortar has set ;) I hope that this helps, do let me know how you get on :) Best wishes, Joel
Awesome VIds. You inspired me to build my own :) Starting tomorrow. How deep is the subsoil roughly throughout? I also bought your book :)
Hi Tony :) That's so good to hear, both on the new habitat for wildlife and that you have bought the book, I hope it will prove useful to you :) Re the subsoil it's around 4-6 inches deep. Hope that's helpful - best wishes to you, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thanks Joel, I was going to start tomorrow but had my vacs yesterday and now can’t move 🙄. Do I need aquatic soil or just the the stuff I’ll have dug up? Keep up the good work
Thanks for doing this Joel - really adds some meat to the bones of the earlier video and your excellent book.
For a 2.5m x 2m pond, what would you say are the optimal numbers of plants in each of the 4 categories? I live in urban Essex, so am likely to have really claggy/clay soil, with little by way of sub soil. I'd rather buy some sub soil in and plant directly, rather than use plastic baskets, but don't want to overcrowd a pond or leave it too sparse.
Many thanks and congratulations again.
Thank you Dave, so much - everyone has been so encouraging and you taking the time to comment so positively means a lot. I wish these ponds could be a hobby but it's my work of course, and means that videos etc take a while to make to enable me to share all this, but if it means more people creating habitats for nature etc :) If you could email me at hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com and let me know whereabouts in Essex you are I may be able to help with some subsoil as I am there often! I'll get back to you asap - Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Brilliant, will do. Many thanks, much appreciated.
❤your videos and the insect fort that you show during the intro-- this is the coolest thing I've ever seen, gave me a great idea for another fun project. I'm new to exploring this (pond) project & I'm a new subscriber.. can't wait to get started. ❤the nite visitor, too.. made me smile. 👉 Did I miss something? How do you prevent slope erosion where there's no rocks, are the plants going to help mitigate this?
Thanks so much for commenting and subscribing John. I love that you love the insect hotel 😊👍 As for the soil erosion, it is getting the gradient of the side right so that it isn’t too steep for the soil to stay there on its own. The plants will certainly help the soil stay put when their roots become established, just like on a bank next to a road with trees on it etc. Hope that helps. Here if you need any more advice 👍😁
this summer, pond in my garden...
truly great work Joel. What is the cost to get this professionally done? thanks
Hi Joel. Wow I cannot wait to start. What I like is the natural organic way to keep the water clear. I live in Cape Town, South Africa. I need to know what plants I can use inside the pond to keep the water clear. I have alot of bird life and I also live very near a vlei (like a big dam) with lots of wildlife. I want to incorporate the wildlife into my garden.
Felicity Jacobs, Cape Town, South Africa
Capetown... sigh... one of the places on my "must visit asap" list! I am absolutely thrilled this video is encouraging you to make a pond in this way and to know it's going to be in one of the areas I might visit one day is great :) To keep the pond clear I believe you'll have access to hornwort (sometimes known as coontail) and this is one of the best oxygenators to keep ponds clear. I always recommend about 60 to 70% of surface coverage with lilies or other native floating leaved plants to keep the water clear and cool. I am not sure if you have seen this short video of a few of the many ponds I've created in this way, but it might be helpful and give you some ideas:
ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html
I hope this helps, thanks so much for your support and I hope you enjoy the rest of the channel - best wishes to you and yours in Cape Town (you lucky girl!) - Joel
I like this very much.
Hi Joel, thank you so much for all your videos. They inspired us to create a 2m x 2m pond which is very exciting. Also ordered your book for more inspiration!
We dug our pond two days ago. We are now experiencing a lot of wicking, losing about 2 inches overnight. Is this normal and would it be wise to top up every morning?
Thanks again and keep up the good work Joel!
I love how you make your ponds (and especially how the finished job looks). While I’ve always done them in a similar manner, I’ve never used the second layer of fleece as a protective layer for the subsoil that I add back in - that’s a tip that I’ll definitely take away from this. In fact, I don’t know why I never thought about it before - thank you!
I would like to ask you one question, though... I’ve moved to a place with slightly warmer/dryer summers than I’m used to, and I’d love to know if you have ever experienced any (serious) issues with water ‘wicking’ out of a pond due to the overlapping soil and plant roots? I’m looking to dig a wildlife pond with a +/- 5000 gallon capacity and I’m a bit concerned that the increased perimeter edge will cause problems with water loss. Your thoughts would be much appreciated.
Thanks again for the great content!
Hi Craig - thanks for such positive comments, appreciated! Yep, the top layer of subsoil allows planting direct into the soil and the fleece helps keep it in place and of course protect the liner - I've done huge ponds for clients in the past and they've never failed, they do wick as all ponds like this one do in the beginning but they establish pretty quickly - here's a larger one we did last winter, I've got to go back and film again now the planting has established, but you might appreciate these, just a few I've created over the last 16 years:
ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html
Best wishes - Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks for the link - those are some stunning creations that you must be very proud of.
Many thanks for taking the time to reply to my question, too. I greatly appreciate it. All the best - Craig
@@Craig_Humphries You're very welcome Craig, I hope you enjoy the channel - I'm very grateful for your support :) Best wishes and have a great weekend - Joel
Such a great series, thank you so much! Do you have any suggestions to deter feral/pet cats allowed to free roam while not affecting wildlife? My neighbors’ cats are always SOAKING THEMSELVES in birdbaths the area, pathogenic *nightmare*.
Thank you SO much for these videos - they’ve been a life-saver! We’ve got the pond pretty well dug out now and I need to order the plants. Could you give me an idea of how many we’ll need, please? The pond is very similar to the one in the video and measures 2m x 3m. I tried counting from your video, but you were moving too fast! 😂
I was reckoning on about 30 marginals (taken from your list in ‘Wild Your Garden’ plus
3 Hard Rush, 3 Lesser Pond Sedge as emergents
3 Hornwort and 3 Millefoil for oxygenators and
a bunch of Broad-leaved Pond Weed
Does that seem about right? Any help you can give will be very gratefully accepted!
Hi Sue - this is so good to hear, thank you, another vital habitat made! If you send an email to my colleague Jodie at enquiries@wildyourgarden.com she will be able to advise on plants/quantity for the size pond you're doing - do mention that it's the same as in the instructional video on YT and she'll liaise with me - we'll be happy to help :) Best wishes - Joel
Thank you for such a quick reply - will do! Cheers, Sue