For anyone looking to make their own wildlife pond in the UK, check out our online shop, where we sell all the pond liner, fleece & pond plants 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. 😊👍
Just wanted to come on here and say my dad is your biggest fan and has recently followed your videos step by step making a wildlife pond. We just spotted a dragonfly, and my dad jumped for joy :)
How wonderful to hear, Lucy. I’m sure your new pond will continue to bring much joy to you both 😊 Say hi from me and thank you for doing all that he has done for wildlife 👍
Hey Wes, thanks so much for your positive comment, I'm very grateful for you taking the time to leave some nice words - they make all the difference - I hope you enjoy the channel, it's not just about ponds but all ways we can help wildlife :) Best wishes, Joel
Thank you Sean, I really appreciate your support - I just feel that if people take the time to connect then it's only polite that I should offer support - also it means that we encourage each other to make more and more habitats for our creatures so desperately in need :) Hope you are enjoying the weekend - best wishes, Joel
From Vermont, Thank you so much 😊 I have found your fantastic how to wild your pond and I cant thank you enough. My small pond is the best and clearest its ever been. I see more biodiversty than I ever had. We plan on a second in our back yard. Thank you so much for bringing all the information to us and helping all of us help the creatures and wildlife that will come. Best wishes from Burlington Vt
Hi there, not sure you will ever see my reply as it's very late. If you do, sorry I missed it! Your encouragement and support has made a big difference and I'm so glad the video was of help. Best wishes, Joel
I jus thought, Here I am watching this video and all I have is a little balcony and then you mentioned the mini wildlife pond, so I will switch to that video now and then come back here to daydream about my future garden! 🙂
Hi there - so sorry for not getting back to you sooner, I've been away for 10 days in France and just trying to catch up with everyone now. I'm glad that the barrel pond video has encouraged you and hope that you found it helpful - and here's wishing for a future garden with space for a larger pond. But know that you will be rewarded with grateful visitors to the barrel pond in the meantime :) Best wishes, Joel
That's so good to hear, thanks so much for letting me know - this kind of comment makes it all worthwhile and I'm so glad it's been helpful - I do hope you enjoy the channel - many thanks and best wishes to you and yours - Joel
You're very welcome Roger, and I'm very grateful for you taking the time to leave such an encouraging and positive comment :) So glad this was helpful to you - best wishes, Joel
Thank you Tas, really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a lovely message, your support means a lot and I'm so glad this was helpful - best wishes to you and yours, Joel
My yard is pretty small, but something like this would be a perfect addition to the small wildlife habitat I'm trying to make out of it. I'll see if I can see this project through! Thank you! Also, new subscriber, your videos are perfect for what I need!
This is so good to read Astrex, thank you :) I am not sure where you are based but all the materials, plants etc needed can be found on www.wildyourgarden.com - if you need any help do drop me a line. Thank you again for all your support, it makes a huge difference :) Best wishes, Joel
Hi Vicky - so good to read your comment, so glad the channel has helped - do remember that if you need plants/materials for the pond build and surrounds, we sell all you need right here - from suppliers I use for my own creations :) www.wildyourgarden.com Best wishes - thank you, and enjoy the book! Joel
I'm really glad you enjoyed this and that it was useful to you - I am so glad that so many more people are making these vital habitats worldwide - so many creatures are desperately in need. Many thanks! Best wishes - Joel
Hi, I'm sure you're bombarded enough, but any tips for someone trying to do this in Central Europe, northern CZ, not far from border with Germany's Saxony? Thanks, you've inspired me!
First, brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. I wanted something that looked more natural than a hard plastic shell buried in the ground with the edges covered by rocks that clearly don’t belong there. This ticked all the boxes. I built one in a long weekend and love it. Second, query: unless there’s a puncture in the liner I’m using, I’m losing a lot-really quite a lot-of moisture through wicking where the fleece and dirt meet along the edges. Is that normal? Any suggestions?
Hi there Jan - so sorry for not getting back to you sooner, I've been away for 10 days in France and just trying to catch up with everyone now. I hope I am in time to let you know that it will be the subsoil wicking up the water and of course the plants will be "greedy" when first establishing, but this will only be for a few weeks of course. Sun as well as wind also plays a part in evaporation of course and in very hot weather I do have to fill up my own pond :) I do hope that this is helpful to you Jan, even if it's a little late! Best wishes, Joel
no worries! The first inhabitant showed up today: a frog! Only ten days after I finished it. Couldn’t be more pleased. BTW: bought your book several months ago and recommend it to everyone!@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton
Thank you for your great videos .I have purchased your book. I really like the idea of putting soil on a fleece layer as it would look more natural. I have a question to ask ,if you don't mind. I only have space for a pond of about 1.5 x3.5m. What would you recommend as the greatest degree of slope which would hold the soil in place? Knowing this will help me decide how large and how deep,and where best to position the well . Many Thanks Martyn.
Hi there Martyn, thank you for the encouragement and support, seems years ago that I did this video now but such a great response and so many more vital habitats made for wildlife because of it. Is it possible please to send an email to me with a photo of the garden, where you intend the pond to be etc so that I can advise - enquiries@wildyourgarden.com - it's just easier to keep up with than YT notifications, I get so many and sometimes they are missed unfortunately. Hope this helps though - best wishes, and thanks again - Joel
Thank you so much - so glad this reached Calcutta! I appreciate you taking the time to leave such a wonderful comment - keep making those nature films - best wishes, Joel
Thank you for taking the time to comment Chinmay - it makes a difference and is very encouraging in me making more videos to help people - I'm always here if you need help :)
Thank you Dave - that's really kind of you :) I really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a nice comment - best wishes to you and yours - Joel
So good to hear - all water sources are good, but this method has never failed in the 16 years I've been making them this way, from small to large - you might want to see this short video here of just a few created over the years and the different designs/sizes that are achievable - I much prefer the natural look and I think the birds, amphibians, insects and bats do too :) ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html
I so wish I could do this, but I really don’t have the upper body strength to dig that hole. Maybe one day I’ll give it a shot who knows. But for now I think I’m gonna stick to your barrel pond and see how that goes.
Hey Joel, what is best to use (which material) as fleece/underlay? They sell something that looks like it at our local construction market, but I'm not sure if it's pond safe. Thanks! I'm really enjoying your videos!
I’m digging a pond now. I have dug half a metre and not had a change of colour yet! Could I use aquatic soil in bags and gravel as a substitute. ? Can I also use aquarium water conditioner as I’m going to have to use tap water to fill.
Hi Joel fantastic to watch you and your creations. Thank you for your openness and sharing your knowledge. I would like to do a wildlife pond in my garden, I would also like to have fish in the pond. What should I do extra to consider fish? I also love to hear you mention our North in the Highlands.
Hi Joel, I'm really learning a lot and have tried to make my courtyard wildlife friendly. Would it be possible to send you a short video so you could maybe give me some ideas of how to improve my area please ?
Hi there Andy, I do offer a consultation service on site, but I am so wrapped up with client jobs at the moment, 6 days a week - but I have the Wild Your Garden book (shameless plug!) that has everything and more to give you every idea needed - you can buy a signed copy here: wildyourgarden.com/product/wild-your-garden-book/ Hope this helps - if you'd like a consultation on site then please do send an email to enquiries@hazelwoodlandscapes.com - there's not so much a waiting list but a list where I visit people when I'm in the area to keep costs/mileage down. Best wishes - Joel
Hello. I have recently found these videos and have really enjoyed watching and learning from them. Over the weekend we finally built our wildlife pond and are really happy how it looks. We filled it upto the final level on Sunday and by Monday morning it had dropped by a couple of inches. I topped it up again and the same happend. I'm pretty certain it hasn't got a leak and the water is soaking up ( wicking effect) in the margins into the flower bed around the pond. Is there anyway I can stop this as it making my beach area smaller than I would like. Any help or advice would be great. Many thanks Chris
Hi there Chris :) The sun and dry weather of late will certainly have had an effect on the water level, my own pond has been dropping several inches every day during this drier spell, it's not just the heat but it's the wind too which can play a big part in evaporation. Once the pond is established and the vegetation around the edge has established this will lessen the wicking effect but it will indeed be the plants that are making the most of the available moisture. Hope this helps, if it doesn't then do feel free to send a few photos across to hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com and I'll try to have a look asap - catching up on drawings and plans at home today but will be back between 4 different client sites over the next few weeks. Best wishes, Joel
Thank you very much for the guide! I found these to be a huge inspiration and have put a wildlife pond into our garden using this method. I do have a question if you see this, or anyone in the know - is this method prone to a kind of wicking/evaporation? I ask because my water level is dropping a bit quicker than I expected (around an inch a day) and I’m hoping someone will tell me that it’s normal and I just need plants to establish along the soil at the edge. It wasn’t a small job and the liner wasn’t cheap so I’m very much hoping I didn’t balls it up! Edit: One thing I didn’t do is check the weld in the liner, assuming that at the cost it was going to be properly done.
Hello Joe thank you for your video, very helpful. I will create a mini pond in my allotment. The space that I have there is in front of a small blackberry bush. Would that interfere somehow or is it fine to create the pond in front of the blackberry bush? Thank you very much
Came here after watching the time laspe, this looks amazing, really the inspiration I was looking for! Thank you so much and God Bless you and your family ❤️🕊️✝️
Wow, thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a nice comment, it really is appreciated :) Really glad you've found the channel, there's lots more advice and more videos to come - best wishes to you and yours - Joel
@@SereneSoakingSounds Absolute pleasure, I really appreciate your support and encouragement, it makes all the difference :) Wait until you get to the cuckoo rescue... :) Take good care over there - stay safe, Joel
Hi Jeanette, so glad that this was helpful to you, you should be able to plant directly into the subsoil, as shown in this video - and it's one of the reasons that this is the best method - if you could send an email across to enquiries@wildyourgarden.com with the plants you have in mind then we can advise specifically, but all marginals are able to be planted directly into the soil - best wishes, and thanks for your support and encouragement, it's appreciated :) Joel
Hello! Thank you- this is wonderfully helpful. I had already planned out my pond but now have changed tack slightly and I intend to try your fleece liner fleece subsoil method. Could you please recommend specific brands of fleece and liner that we can order online? And must it be Butyl liner or might a cheaper alternative last a good while, too? Also, we have a layer of chalk at .5m down, not subsoil- would a bag of "aquatic compost" or whatever it's called be ok to put in the pond? Thanks again. I wish gardening programmes on tv were a tenth as helpful as this!
Hi Sarah Jane :) Thanks so much for your kind comment, it means a lot! You can order everything you need at www.wildyourgarden.com and we'll be happy to help/give advice for the best materials to use, there are plants available too, and for ponds :) It's subsoil that is used in this pond, I usually manage to excavate enough once the depth is found, but you can get subsoil by the tonne bag - if you need help then do email us :) Best wishes - Joel
Thank you so much for your videos, especially the 'how to' ones. I have taken so much inspiration and have just this weekend created a wildlife pond on a scrap of my land that runs up the side of my property. Just the width of a driveway but the plan is for a wildlife haven, so excited to see what visitors we will have! Xx
Fantastic to read this Claire - another vital habitat for wildlife! So pleased that the channel has been helpful - let me know how many visitors reward you for your efforts :) Sounds like a brilliant weekend. Best wishes, Joel
Hi Joel. I have a question about lining. I have been building a large 20 by 5ft pond with a small island in the middle. It is dug about a metre deep into the peat topped red clay here in county Antrim but won't hold the water after March. I have looked into getting liners but am struggling to find a liner big enough here and don't know how to manage the island in the middle. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Mac
Hi there Mac :) If you send me an email to hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com this will be easier to explain and I can let you know about alternatives - best wishes, Joel
Hi, thanks for the informative videos. I've been super keen to build one ever since reading Chris Baines Wildlife Gardening book a few years ago and now I've finally got the courage up to create not one but two ponds your video really helps in answering some of the questions I had on the process. However, I do have a couple of questions now that I have started to build the first of them. This one is going into my allotment plot and unfortunately is reasonably close (say 8 meters) to a sycamore tree line that borders the allotment. It's not too much of a problem from a sunshine perspective as its running North East and I intended to cover the majority of the pond during the autumn leaf fall, but now I've dug the well hole I am finding some finger sized roots I suspect are from the trees. I'm worried that sooner or later these will regrow and puncture my pond. How worried should i be? Secondly, I've dug the well part and really not come across anything that looks like sub soil. Good from a veg growing point of view but not so good for the pond soil. If I was to reuse this and maybe some gravel for the bird area and well, what's the worst that can happen? Will I just have to wait longer for the pond to get over the excessive nutrient levels?
Hi. Thanks for commenting. Firstly, I wouldn’t worry about the roots as it sounds as if you are far enough from the tree. As long as you use the protective fleece below the liner, this should act as a root barrier. Secondly, regarding the subsoil, you can just use gravel in the bottom and mid the soil with sharp sand for the planting margins if you need to. Alternatively we sell a sandy subsoil by the tonne on the wild your garden website if you’re really stuck. Hope the above helps but here if you have any more questions 😊👍 Best of luck with it! Keep in touch. Joel.
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thanks Joel I'll use the idea of mixing in the sand, although having dug the allotment pond I've had a rethink and may do something smaller scale and do my garden pond first and then maybe use any pond liner off cuts I have to make a wet land area around a smaller crate pond at the allotment. I think that might work and would be fun to try at little expense if it fails.
Hi. I've another question. I've now built myself a good sized sunny positioned pond. I've still got my old 'crate' pond which is much smaller and in a less sunny spot, and soon to be even more shaded as I've planted a small tree nearby. Is there a wildlife benefit to having a shaded, more rotten pond as well? I'm thinking that it might provide a habitat for some different creatures if I let it stay and allow leaves etc to build up.
THANK YOU, thank you, for these wonderful informative videos that I've just discovered. I immediately subscribed and have learned such a lot from you and the people you interview. I'm about to build a small 1.5m x 2m pond in my 70m2 vegetable garden and have a question: my subsoil is all soft sand mixed with clay and very orange in colour. Can I use this as it is, or add some brown soil, or just remove the clay element of the subsoil? We already have a frog lurking in the garden and often get visited by damsel flies so I'm looking forward to installing a dragon fly perch. I'm soooo excited, just waiting for some building work to end then can get cracking. PS I'm in the Berkshire countryside.
Thank you so much for this, what a wonderful comment to read :) So pleased that you are creating vital habitat, I promise you will be rewarded! Clay is absolutely fine in subsoil, absolutely fine and with the sand yours sounds perfect - the main aim is to have soil that is as low nutrient as possible, this helps keep the water clear and allows planting directly into the pond of course. Not sure if you are aware but we provide everything you need for the wildlife garden, including ponds and we're always happy to offer advice for free - you can see everything you'll need at www.wildyourgarden.com or send an email to enquiries@wildyourgarden.com if you need help with liner measurements and plants etc. Best wishes, and thanks for your encouragement and support, it does make a difference to me :) Joel
I would love to make a pond using your videos, they are brilliant. Unfortunately I really don't have a proper sunny spot in my garden. It's shaded by walls and fences, but there is an area without much foliage to fall. Is it still possible for me to make a small wildlife pond?
Hi there - if you could send a couple of photos to me at enquiries@hazelwoodlandscapes.com then I can advise better re positioning :) Happy to help - best wishes, Joel
Hi. I'm in New Orleans, Louisiana with full sun exposure all day on my garden... can I still do a barrel wildlife pond? If so how do I find the proper plants?
Hi AnneMarie - absolutely you can. You will need to find plants native to your area of course and I have just checked and Pond Megastore (they're online) are in US and have a vast range, they also will let you know which plants are native to your area. I hope that this helps, let them know I sent you! Very best wishes, Joel
Hi Joel, I bought from RSPB the kit to make a small pond 1.2 x 1.2 and 0.4m depth. I bought these before I found your videos whereby you recommend at least 0.6m depth due to less likelihood of water freezing at bottom. Shall I change plan and buy new kit or if I monitor the pond in the winter (e.g. removing or using water for any forming ice) or use a partial cover that may help? Thank you for your time
Hello there - sorry for the delay, I was away visiting clients this weekend. Any water source is good for nature and very important, absolutely you can keep an eye on it in winter and there's a short video on the channel called "ice in my pond" - not that you will need it at the moment! ;) there is always time to make another pond at a later date, I will also be doing a video on a small "bog garden" that your current pond could be adapted to, I wouldn't worry about a cover for now though, you'll want that water to be available for the birds who need the water just as much in the winter :) I hope this is helpful, it will be fine but re the depth this is also because toads prefer deeper water to frogs - best wishes, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thank you very much for getting back to me and no apology needed! Indeed I was referring of the cover just for the frosty day, but yes I will take a look at your video and will not put the cover on frosty days/nights. Joel, I feel bas asking question because it takes your time to answer and I am making use of your expertise gained through hard work. I will promote your work on social media if you do not mind. Also if you have such a thing like patreon for donations let us know! I am also buying your book. Thanks again.
Hello :) The fleece is easily available on line, but you could equally use old carpeting or any thick material - the fleece I use lasts a long time and in 15 years I have never had any problems reported - but again, it can be any thick fabric, it is just to protect the liner of course and then allow subsoil on top so that plastic plant plots are not needed and the plants can be put direct into the soil - I am here to help if you have any other questions :) Best wishes, Joel
Hi Thomas - I would recommend deeper as a shallow pond will dry out/lose water quickly - if you wanted to send some photos of the area and your progress so far I am happy to advise on the best way - just drop me an email at hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com - best wishes, Joel
Thank you for this informative video! What type of plants are best for a southern Mediterranean climate ? I live in Malta and it’s quite dry esp in summer
Hi Joel! If you need to use two pond liners, is a sealant/tape required or can placement and weight hold together? Do you have a tape/sealant recommendation if required?
Hi there Dan, if you're in the UK feel free to drop me an email at enquiries@wildyourgarden.com, I offer free personal and tailored advice to customers here and would be happy to help if you wanted to send a few photos and I can let you know if your current soil is suitable. Best wishes and thank you re the book, I really appreciate it - Joel
Hi I have several small ponds in my garden including a preformed I want to build a bigger one 7ft x 12ft my garden slopes from left to right is it best to build up on one side or have a drop from the higher side ?
Hi Joel, great video. Did you mention what size of liner you used for this pond and exactly what kind of underlay you used for the top layer? I’m wondering if any type of underlay will do the job of retaining the soil? Cheers.
Hi Stephen. Thank you for commenting. For the top layer of fleece, I used the same industrial strength fleece that I used under the liner. If you’re interested in buying some, let me know or just have a look on the wild your garden.com website, as we sell it on there 👍 As for the liner size, I believe if it was a 3m x 2m x 600mm deep, I would order a liner of 5m x 4m to be safe and allow a little extra. Again, we sell this on the website if you’re looking for some. All the best. Joel.
Beautiful, inspiring and helpful video! Thanks for that! Can the water in a pond this size and deapth heat up too much when in full sun? Thanks for your help :)
You are very welcome Jaap :) Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive comment, it really does make a difference to me. They can warm up, my own pond in the garden is 3m x 2m and it is in full sun but in over 4 years now there hasn't been a problem, lots of pond cover in the form of oxygenators, lilies etc will help of course :) I hope that is helpful to you, always here if you need advice - best wishes, Joel
Sorry for the delay in answering you here, trying to keep up with everyone. We sell the liner that I've used on all my projects for over 18 years at www.wildyourgarden.com - I can happily advise on quantities and type so that you don't over-order. Just drop us a line on the website. Best wishes, Joel
If one was to buy subsoil, what should you buy? I have the luxury problem of the topsoil here being at least 1,2 meter deep. Which is great for gardening, but not for ponds.
would natural shorn sheep fleece be ok to use? Would have a cushioning effect below the liner. Not sure if it would have any detrimental effect to the water quality? Be good a cushion to protect liner from heron beaks too? Thanks. You're really good at explaining how, and reasons..
Hi there Noel - not sure if you've managed to watch the other 2 parts to this series yet but I'm not so sure with natural shorn fleece, it would certainly protect the underside of the liner, but I'm wondering how fast it would "break down" naturally once the subsoil and water are on top of the upper layer, you need the fleece so that the subsoil stays in place really, and the subsoil keeps the water clear and also allows you to plant directly into it, negating the use of baskets. Good question though, although not so sure how long natural shorn fleece would "last".... hope this helps a little :) Best wishes, Joel
Joel : a few questions if you don't mind. Could you use sand instead of subsoil? Also, is this purpose of the well/wall in the deep section only for weighting down the liner?
Hi. Yes you could use sand as subsoil, just bare in mind that it won’t hold up on steeper sides very well. The well in the middle is to achieve the desired depth of 600mm minimum 👍 Hope this helps 😊
I'm so glad I've found your site. I'm a new gardener working on my wildlife oasis, year 2. Thank you for sharing your experience and paying the love forward.
Im planning on building a pond to attract frogs beside my blueberry patch which has acidic soil. Is the acidic soil a problem for the frogs or any of the plantlife?
Thanks for the brilliant videos-they're very informative. We are in the early stages of creating our wildlife pond (we've marked it out and removed the turf). Our garden unfortunately slopes slightly in both directions so we will have some disparity between the pond sides (around 4-5 inches). Can you please advise on how best to dig the different shelves on a pond that isn't naturally level?
Hi Joel, I was feeling very daunted about how to make a wildlife pond until I saw your videos. Now I am feeling excited. Thank you!. I have a few questions: I am in a new build garden with very clay-y soil, poor drainage and fairly compacted rubble underneath. Cost is a factor too. I will make a pond the size you did in video- 2.5m length and 2m across widest part (less at other end) (1) Could I use sand as the layer directly under the liner instead of fleece - or a mixture of both sand in deeper parts and fleece around the edges? (2) My local garden centre sells plastic liners - and these are much cheaper than the Butyl ones (which they don't sell), is it OK to use a plastic liner in your method? and last (3) as I understand it from one of your comments below - I need to dig the well to 700mm, then compact down 100mm subsoil and/or gravel in the bottom and then build up around the edges with the rocks and looser subsoil. Have I understood this? It seems in the video like you filled the whole pond including the well with subsoil so feeling confused about the first dig hole depth. And appreciating your willingness to answer our comments.
Hi Penny, thanks so much for your support and kind words, much appreciated :) As long as the clay soil doesn't have a lot of sharp small stones scattered in it then the sand will be fine under the liner, if you can use some fleece too then that's better of course, this is just to ensure the liner is protected. The Butyl one is more expensive but it does have a life-time guarantee and this is furthered by the fleece on top and the subsoil of course as it doesn't suffer from UV damage. The other lines you mention are fine as they'll also be covered by the fleece and subsoil but do treat it carefully as there's nothing worse than a slight hidden rip! If you do want the Butyl and you're in the UK we sell it on the website - www.wildyourgarden.com - just go to the ponds section, where all the pond plants are too. Yes, that's the recommended depth of well for that size pond, as you build up the whole area with the subsoil it will balance this depth out. Hope this helps - let me know if there's anything I've left unanswered :) Best wishes and thanks for making another vital habitat for nature - Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks so much, that's helpful.... One last question - which I didn't ask before - presumably the fleece is made of plastic - could any of the fleece above the liner (in the water) be nibbled by creatures in the pond and cause them harm? eg micro plastics in their system?
@@pennyspawforth3167 Hi Penny, no re the fleece as it's covered by a substantial amount of subsoil and should not be on show once the pond is completed anyway, it's industrial fleece and will be compacted, if using the butyl liner then this has a lifetime guarantee too and will ensure the pond is not going to be needed to be replaced, rather than preformed fibreglass ponds that eventually crack with UV rays etc. Hope this helps - best wishes, Joel
@@pennyspawforth3167 Hi Penny - rushing this as on site at moment - but you can find the liner and fleece required (and that I use on all projects) here: wildyourgarden.com/product-category/ponds-accessories/ See the left hand side for sections - best wishes, Joel
Hi. Thank you very much for this, very helpful and informative. Just at the stage of digging my pond and I am a bit uncertain about the "subsoil." The soil is generally quite friable and crumbly, dark brown coloured until about 15 inhes down where it turns into sticky, yellow clay. Presumably, I don't want to be putting this into the pond?
Hi there Andy - if you're in the UK feel free to drop me a few photos to enquiries@hazelwoodlandscapes.com and I'll be able to check for you - clay is fine as it's low nutrient, and it's the low nutrient that you want - but I'm happy to advise :) Best wishes, Joel
hi Andy - did you use this clay for your subsoil in the end? We have the same issue with the one we are currently creating - also concerned that the clay particles will keep pond murky. How did you get on?
@@simonawebber Hi Simon. I didn't. I decided not to risk it. I just decided to use gravel on the base of the pond and plant in pockets created from the fleece underliner. Although I haven't finished, yet, so can't say how this will work out!
@@andyecelson9913 interesting. Not found anyone commenting on these videos who has used clay yet. Found people using gypsum to clear cloudy clay elsewhere, so might go down that route. Thanks for replying. My digging will continue 😀
Hi Joel! I'm looking to dig a wildlife pond and your videos have been really helpful in giving me information on how to go about it, so thanks a lot! One question, I live in the Basque Country, so it can get very hot in the sun. Would you still recommend putting the pond totally in direct sunlight? I would worry about the water level being decimated in the summer months and the water temperature itself (it won't be much bigger than the pond you have made in this series of videos). Thanks for any information!
Hi there Micky - so pleased to hear that you will be doing this in Basque Country :) As long as you get some good surface cover, fringed water lilies etc are great for this sized pond (latin name NYMPHOIDES PELTATA if that helps!) but if you wanted it to be part shade then that is fine too, particularly for the area of Spain. Here are a few of the many ponds created in this way over the last 16 years - it may help you to see how the vegetation can keep the water body cooler and how they look when established (which is in no time at all) - ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html I hope this helps - let me know if you need any more advice - best wishes, Joel
Hi Dorothy, I know a fair few people that have had success with these ponds in Canada - you may want to make the pond as deep as possible to try to ensure not all the water freezes over. However, I did read that frogs are able to stop their hearts completely when frozen and then re-start them when the water starts to thaw - amazing! I wouldn't let this put you off, as some of the best ponds for wildlife dry out in summer months. Best wishes - Joel
@@dorothylaplante7243 You're very welcome Dorothy, I hope the videos are helpful - there are lots of other videos regarding ponds etc on the channel :) Best wishes - Joel
Happy to say there is LESS work Kristoffer, fish add nutrient to ponds and that is why they become prone to algae and a dirty appearance. This is why koi ponds need expensive set-ups to keep them clean. There is so much other wildlife that can benefit in ponds without fish. I like fish, a lot - but not in wildlife ponds unless small native fish in a suitable sized area. Best wishes, Joel
Hi Joel. Please help. I've been using this set of videos to start my own pond and it was going well but today I spilt quite a bit of aquatic soil in it and it's gone completely cloudy. Will this clear in time or will I have to start again.
Hi Scotty - I'm not sure of the size of your pond or the size of the aquatic soil bag of course but if it's gone completely cloudy there are two things - wait a day or two for it to settle, if it's still clouding over then I'm afraid it's a case of draining the pond and then removing the layer of "sunken" soil that will be on the bottom and sides - not ideal I know but it's best to do it now rather than put up with it later as it'll no doubt be annoying in time. Sorry, but that's the only way I think. Hopefully it won't be too much work and the effort will be worth it - I'll repeat this on the other video too where you've asked the question of course - best wishes, Joel
I live in a climate where in the summer it get 30c and in the winter it can get -15c do you have any tips on things i can do differently and I want to keep gees in the pond
This is such a clear and informative video, it's really given me the confidence to get out and dig that pond! Thanks so much 👍 Just sourcing boulders and cobblestones though and wondering if there is a sustainable supply/supplier you'd recommend?
Thank you Susie - I am so glad it helped and that you will be making another important habitat for nature, I'm absolutely thrilled at the number of people who are doing the same, you certainly will reap the rewards :) For the client ponds I make I use either quarries or wholesalers due to the amount I use, so can't recommend a particular supplier but you should be able to find these at DIY centres or even garden centres etc - or you could try a "local to me" search on ebay as a lot of people do sell unwanted items like this - sorry I couldn't be of further help on this, I'm here if you have any other queries though :) Best wishes, I really appreciate your support - Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thank you so much for your reply. It's really encouraging, and the video helped so much. I've been researching pond building for a while and was getting a bit nervous, but this video really helped. Thanks for the tips on suppliers. I'll try my local garden centres. Looking forward to watching all your videos now I've found you. Hopefully I'll have a wildlife paradise by the end of the year!
@@susiewebb5669 My pleasure Susie :) I am hoping to upload a video later this evening, you may find it of interest if you were looking for plants, seeds, pond plants when you are finished - I do hope you enjoy the channel though - this particular video may give you some inspiration - just a fraction of the ponds I have created over the last 16 years: ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html Best wishes, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thank you for your help. Just seen your announcement, very exciting and a much needed venture. This will be dangerous for my wildflower obsession 😂
Hi Joel, you say that the pond should be at least two feet(or 60cms)deep. But I can't understand how it is still two feet deep if you fill it up with soil. I noticed that after you finished putting all the subsoil in the pond, it seemed to be completely full. I understand that when the soil is wet, it will sink lower in the pond, but I just cannot see how the pond still be two feet deep in the well.? I intend starting my new wildlife pond quite soon and already have one ton(about 1000kgs) of subsoil. Thanks for the wonderful videos and information about wildlife.
Hi Sharon, it's hard to tell from the video angles but the well was 2ft deep after the subsoil was filled (700mm prior to back-filling) and of course the subsoil is around the edges too so this ensures the same depth is achieved. Thanks for your kind words and support, I really appreciate it - hope this has helped, best wishes - Joel
Hi Joel, thanks so much for explaining that for me. I now feel confident about how to put the subsoil in and am looking forward to getting started soon. Kind regards - Sharon@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton
@@sharoncalver4106 You're very welcome Sharon, let me know how you get on, would love to see some photos when you're done - you'll be rewarded for your hard work, I promise :) Best wishes - Joel
What you recommend putting in if your pond has a high side? The front and sides will be level but I have a part terraced garden and will inevitably have a higher back side of pond (~3m long and about a foot higher). Trying to see it as an opportunity rather than a problem so is there anything unique I can do to create habitat or for planting out?
Hi. Thanks for this question. As for the difference in height, I would see this as an opportunity to create a hibernaculum for amphibians and reptiles by using rocks / stones similar to a dry stone wall, protruding out of and above the water level, with lots of gaps in between which could be part filled with soil for planting with drought tolerant plants such as marjoram, bird's-foot trefoil and foxglove to name a few. Not only will this provide nectar for pollinators, but also a refuge for animals during the winter months. Hope this is helpful, but let me know if you have any more questions, or join me on 31st January for episode 2 of Wild Your Garden Live at 3pm (GMT) where I will be answering questions from people around the world :-) Thanks again, Joel.
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton awesome, cheers Joel. Sounds like a good plan. I was planning on make an adjacent tree stump (still in the ground) into the hibernaculum so I'll just join them up to make it a mega complex 😅. Will try and join you next Sunday, if not then I'll be watching it on catch up again 👍
Hi Blair - thankfully no, I've used this method for over 15 years now and they are designed to attract larger insects, amphibians, bats, birds etc that all feast on any mosquitoes and their larvae - they make quite a dent in any population, oxygenators keep the pond clear without need for any pumps etc - you can see a few of the many ponds I've created using this method, here: ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html Best wishes, Joel
I'm coming to India to see the beautiful and vast wildlife and to meet the wonderful people - everyone has been so encouraging, I hope you enjoy the channel, and thank you! Joel :)
Hello, thank you for this video! How would you handle a pond in a region with very high ground-water (when I dig 30 cm in the winter I already encounter water). A liner would not be possible, since water would come from underneath it right? Unfortunately the water levels vary quite a lot between winter and Sommer, which would lead to part of the pound being dry during Sommer...
Hi Louise - I'd recommend digging and lining the pond at the end of summer when it is dry and the water table will be lowest (Aug/September). The weight of the water will counteract the ground water by the time the inclement weather arrives - hope this is helpful - best wishes, Joel
Hi Joel et al. I am in the Pacific Northwest (Portland to be exact) of the US and would like to install a small (~2x3m) pond. If you aren't familiar, we are at quite a northern latitude and as such, we have large daylight shifts seasonally. For example, a location that might get anywhere from 6-8 hours of sun in the summer can easily get 0 hours of direct light in the winter. Additionally, we occasional get hard frosts but most of the time the lows are in the 30's and rainy in the winter. My question: do you have experience with how ponds (without fish) fare in winters? Do organisms go dormant? Importantly, will our delicately balanced aquatic ecosystem fail if our location receives little to no direct sunlight throughout the majority of the winter, but plenty of sun during Spring-Fall. Any additional resources specific to this climate that you can link to would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Hi there Shane - would it be ok for you to send this to my email so we can converse easier? I don't always seem to get all notifications on comments so this will ensure I don't miss a question - you can reach me at hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com - just mention Portland and I'll know :) Hope this is ok - best wishes, Joel
Hi there Wendy - it is available, there are several places - depending upon where you are of course - that will supply subsoil by the tonne bag but you will have to google those close to you, some may supply at a distance but it is usually at a minimum of 5 tonne bags - but do search locally to you, it is readily available. I of course obtain mine in huge loads for the client ponds I do but it would be too much for an individual pond. I hope this helps - best wishes, Joel
Hello Ivan, I hope I am understanding your question :) It is subsoil, then fleece, then liner, then fleece, then subsoil... I hope that helps - let me know :) Best wishes, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton ... thanks Joel, you understand me well, but im a little bit confused what kind of liner? Plastic one? Can i use simple nylon? Sorry for too many questions ...
@@ivanuric2801 It is known as fleece for the white liner. The black liner is Butyl Rubber liner. If you want to send me an email to hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com then I can maybe explain easier :) No problem, at all Ivan - best wishes, Joel
Hi there Willie, algae is good for tadpoles in that it is a food source for them. Algae is usually a result of there being too much nutrient in the water and warm water, although at this time of year I suspect it's not due to warm water - depending of course where in the world you are. You can rake it out and leave it on the side of the pond so any small creatures can find their way back to the pond. I hope this helps, it's difficult to know without seeing it of course. This video here might be helpful though: ua-cam.com/video/A5kZJ-WhNgg/v-deo.html Best wishes, Joel
@@williecorcoran2676Hope it helps Willie, feel free to email me at the www.wildyourgarden.com email address if you need any other help. Best wishes and have a great weekend, Joel
Hi Joel. Love all your videos and have just dig out the shape for my new wildlife pond. One question I have is about the subsoil to retain as a base for the pond. I felt that I dig down about a foot and half and soil was still same colour as topsoil before i hit what seemed like clay. This was the first colour change I had to re lighter colour you describe . Is this what I need to use as my pond base layer please ? Thank you 😊
Hi Craig, I have the exact same problem (only I’ve dug down till about 3ft- still black!). Did you end up finding a solution? I was thinking maybe using the soil from all the way down there, because how furtile can it really be, mixed with sand? Thanks in advance:).
hi Craig - did you use this clay for your subsoil in the end? We have the same issue with the one we are currently creating - also concerned that the clay particles will keep pond murky. How did you get on?
Hello! Thank you :) I hope the videos help people to learn how to do this at home, every space for nature is good, even a small one :) Hoping all is good where you are - best wishes, Joel
Question! I don't have a bird bath/mini pond yet, and in my climate summers are very hot and dry. So in the mean time I got like a poultry drinker from a farm store, just to put out on very hot days. I'm having this issue though in that crows, while they're drinking from it, are using it to soften their food and then they leave food in it. Like I went outside and there was a whole piece of baguette that a crow had left in there (who knows where it came from, I imagine some neighbor's bin nearby not well closed -- I'm in the city). If I get a bird bath or pond I just wonder if I'm going to end up with crows leaving baguettes in that too? At least the poultry drinker is easy to clean, disinfect & re-fill... Does anyone else have this problem?
Hello, I have been planning a pond project but cannot find anywhere that sells subsoil (all the places that show up are in the UK but I am in California), and the soil in my garden is very dark / claylike-- there is no distinct change as you mention. How big of a problem is it to go with just the soil I have? Or would it be best to use gravel?
Hi Robert :) Clay is often used for ponds so it may well be ok, I expect if you dig and the soil is undisturbed previously it should be poorer within the first 12 inches, ie a lot less nutrients in this soil and that is what you need to keep the water clear, you will need oxygenating plants too of course but the clay should be "watertight" enough - there is also no problem with using gravel on the bottom to save on subsoil and going down too far. I hope that this helps - let me know how you get on - best wishes, Joel
Hi Julia - it is indeed, as unless you want a lily right in the middle, chances are you won't be planting in this part - hope this helps - best wishes, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thanks a million, it does help loads. You completely sold me on the idea of the pond:) i’ve been digging like im posessed ha! Best to you sir
@@juliacyrzan1751 You're very welcome Julia, there are many other videos on the channel to help re the ponds and show some different examples, I hope these are helpful too - best wishes to you and yours, Joel
hi Julia - did you use this clay for your subsoil in the end? We have the same issue with the one we are currently creating - also concerned that the clay particles will keep pond murky. How did you get on?
@@simonawebber i chucked it! My pond is tiny so i used all the subsoil i had in places where the plants were to go. And the rest i left bare. The visible felt (it’s dark grey), especially on folds did annoy me the first year but you can’t tell anymore and the imperfections make for great hiding places:)
Hi Joel, I love your videos and they have inspired me to put a wildlife pond in my garden in London. I recently dug a pond and tried to stick to the min of 60cm deep in the middle. However once I added to soil and some rock etc the middle is more like 40cm. I have noticed that the pond is losing about 1-2cm of water per day. Could having a smaller shallower pond be a cause of rapid evaporation?
Hi there Larry - thanks so much for the encouragement re the channel, I am so glad it's been helpful and another vital habitat has been made :) The subsoil and plants will "wick" up quite a bit of water while they're establishing, but as soon as it's settled in a few weeks it will stop losing water - there is the sun and of course wind that plays a huge part in evaporation but the initial water loss will surely be because of the subsoil and plants soaking it up :) I hope that this is helpful and puts your mind at rest - best wishes, Joel
For anyone looking to make their own wildlife pond in the UK, check out our online shop, where we sell all the pond liner, fleece & pond plants 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. 😊👍
Just wanted to come on here and say my dad is your biggest fan and has recently followed your videos step by step making a wildlife pond. We just spotted a dragonfly, and my dad jumped for joy :)
How wonderful to hear, Lucy. I’m sure your new pond will continue to bring much joy to you both 😊 Say hi from me and thank you for doing all that he has done for wildlife 👍
Immediately he has a trustworthy persona
Hey Wes, thanks so much for your positive comment, I'm very grateful for you taking the time to leave some nice words - they make all the difference - I hope you enjoy the channel, it's not just about ponds but all ways we can help wildlife :) Best wishes, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton yeah for sure ,it's great!
Mmmm I'm not sure, he looks dodgey to me 😂😂😂
Such a nice guy I admire how you take your time and go through all the comments and respond keep it up
Thank you Sean, I really appreciate your support - I just feel that if people take the time to connect then it's only polite that I should offer support - also it means that we encourage each other to make more and more habitats for our creatures so desperately in need :) Hope you are enjoying the weekend - best wishes, Joel
This feels like a paid course, so informative thank you!
From Vermont, Thank you so much 😊 I have found your fantastic how to wild your pond and I cant thank you enough. My small pond is the best and clearest its ever been. I see more biodiversty than I ever had.
We plan on a second in our back yard.
Thank you so much for bringing all the information to us and helping all of us help the creatures and wildlife that will come.
Best wishes from Burlington Vt
Hi there, not sure you will ever see my reply as it's very late. If you do, sorry I missed it! Your encouragement and support has made a big difference and I'm so glad the video was of help. Best wishes, Joel
I jus thought, Here I am watching this video and all I have is a little balcony and then you mentioned the mini wildlife pond, so I will switch to that video now and then come back here to daydream about my future garden! 🙂
Hi there - so sorry for not getting back to you sooner, I've been away for 10 days in France and just trying to catch up with everyone now. I'm glad that the barrel pond video has encouraged you and hope that you found it helpful - and here's wishing for a future garden with space for a larger pond. But know that you will be rewarded with grateful visitors to the barrel pond in the meantime :) Best wishes, Joel
Hi Joel
That's so good to hear, thanks so much for letting me know - this kind of comment makes it all worthwhile and I'm so glad it's been helpful - I do hope you enjoy the channel - many thanks and best wishes to you and yours - Joel
Thank you for the video,very important information and easy to understand you know how to teach without bordon.
You're very welcome Roger, and I'm very grateful for you taking the time to leave such an encouraging and positive comment :) So glad this was helpful to you - best wishes, Joel
Great guy and video and wildlife pond. Hats off to ya
Thank you Jack - I really appreciate your encouragement and support - best wishes, Joel
Great to watch this channel! I feel like I'm watching the Steve Irwin of backyard ponds!
Bravo ! , excellent presentaion , all 3 videos .. very informative .. Thank you Joel
Thank you Tas, really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a lovely message, your support means a lot and I'm so glad this was helpful - best wishes to you and yours, Joel
Excellent set of videos, Joel, thank you so much.
You're very welcome, and thanks for taking the time to leave such an encouraging comment - it does make a difference :) Best wishes, Joel
My yard is pretty small, but something like this would be a perfect addition to the small wildlife habitat I'm trying to make out of it. I'll see if I can see this project through! Thank you! Also, new subscriber, your videos are perfect for what I need!
This is so good to read Astrex, thank you :) I am not sure where you are based but all the materials, plants etc needed can be found on www.wildyourgarden.com - if you need any help do drop me a line. Thank you again for all your support, it makes a huge difference :) Best wishes, Joel
Excellence..nice video...wish you success and always be healthy
Thank you, what a nice message :) Wishing you the same too, thanks for your support - best wishes, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton you're welcome wish you all the best and success together
Thanks Joel this is great! I’ve watched all your wildlife pond videos as I’m building my own and I’ve also just ordered your book as well. Thanks
Hi Vicky - so good to read your comment, so glad the channel has helped - do remember that if you need plants/materials for the pond build and surrounds, we sell all you need right here - from suppliers I use for my own creations :)
www.wildyourgarden.com
Best wishes - thank you, and enjoy the book! Joel
Great insights and demonstration, especially on the comments regarding the subsoil and borders. Looking forward to part 2.
I'm really glad you enjoyed this and that it was useful to you - I am so glad that so many more people are making these vital habitats worldwide - so many creatures are desperately in need. Many thanks! Best wishes - Joel
Hi, I'm sure you're bombarded enough, but any tips for someone trying to do this in Central Europe, northern CZ, not far from border with Germany's Saxony? Thanks, you've inspired me!
First, brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. I wanted something that looked more natural than a hard plastic shell buried in the ground with the edges covered by rocks that clearly don’t belong there. This ticked all the boxes. I built one in a long weekend and love it. Second, query: unless there’s a puncture in the liner I’m using, I’m losing a lot-really quite a lot-of moisture through wicking where the fleece and dirt meet along the edges. Is that normal? Any suggestions?
Hi there Jan - so sorry for not getting back to you sooner, I've been away for 10 days in France and just trying to catch up with everyone now. I hope I am in time to let you know that it will be the subsoil wicking up the water and of course the plants will be "greedy" when first establishing, but this will only be for a few weeks of course. Sun as well as wind also plays a part in evaporation of course and in very hot weather I do have to fill up my own pond :) I do hope that this is helpful to you Jan, even if it's a little late! Best wishes, Joel
no worries! The first inhabitant showed up today: a frog! Only ten days after I finished it. Couldn’t be more pleased. BTW: bought your book several months ago and recommend it to everyone!@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton
Thank you for your great videos .I have purchased your book. I really like the idea of putting soil on a fleece layer as it would look more natural. I have a question to ask ,if you don't mind.
I only have space for a pond of about 1.5 x3.5m. What would you recommend as the greatest degree of slope which would hold the soil in place? Knowing this will help me decide how large and how deep,and where best to position the well . Many Thanks Martyn.
Hi there Martyn, thank you for the encouragement and support, seems years ago that I did this video now but such a great response and so many more vital habitats made for wildlife because of it. Is it possible please to send an email to me with a photo of the garden, where you intend the pond to be etc so that I can advise - enquiries@wildyourgarden.com - it's just easier to keep up with than YT notifications, I get so many and sometimes they are missed unfortunately. Hope this helps though - best wishes, and thanks again - Joel
Hi friend! So beautiful!
Your video and commentry 🌳🌳🌳
Just marvelous!
Thanks million! I'm very much love nature 🌲💕🌳🇮🇳
Greetings from India 🌷
I'm know also gardening 😁🌷
Thank you so much - so glad this reached Calcutta! I appreciate you taking the time to leave such a wonderful comment - keep making those nature films - best wishes, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 🌹 Thanks lot from a small creator 💌👏
@@artinpoetsoulnature You are always welcome :)
Love your videos, we have just finished digging out our pond. Our sub soil is very clay, will that be OK to go inside?
Amazing.. Lots of Love from India...
Thank you for taking the time to comment Chinmay - it makes a difference and is very encouraging in me making more videos to help people - I'm always here if you need help :)
YOUR VIDIOS ARE COOL AND WELL EXPLAINED THANKSSSSDS
DAVE IN IRELAND
Thank you Dave - that's really kind of you :) I really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a nice comment - best wishes to you and yours - Joel
I have one for like 2 ish years and you inspired me to redo it
So good to hear - all water sources are good, but this method has never failed in the 16 years I've been making them this way, from small to large - you might want to see this short video here of just a few created over the years and the different designs/sizes that are achievable - I much prefer the natural look and I think the birds, amphibians, insects and bats do too :)
ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html
I so wish I could do this, but I really don’t have the upper body strength to dig that hole. Maybe one day I’ll give it a shot who knows. But for now I think I’m gonna stick to your barrel pond and see how that goes.
My intent is to build a toad/frog pond to assist in insect control in our garden so thanks for the help
love it
Thank you Leilah 😊
Hey Joel, what is best to use (which material) as fleece/underlay? They sell something that looks like it at our local construction market, but I'm not sure if it's pond safe. Thanks! I'm really enjoying your videos!
Am in Cyprus very dry and hot.
This would be incredible in my wildlife field. TY .
Awesome scene. Like n.17 and Greetings from Italy :)
Thank you for your support! :) Greetings from the UK to you...
I’m digging a pond now. I have dug half a metre and not had a change of colour yet! Could I use aquatic soil in bags and gravel as a substitute. ? Can I also use aquarium water conditioner as I’m going to have to use tap water to fill.
Hi Joel fantastic to watch you and your creations. Thank you for your openness and sharing your knowledge. I would like to do a wildlife pond in my garden, I would also like to have fish in the pond. What should I do extra to consider fish? I also love to hear you mention our North in the Highlands.
Great creative, like your videos so much.
Thank you so much - I really appreciate your support, I hope the channel is helpful to you - best wishes to you and yours, Joel
Hi Joel, I'm really learning a lot and have tried to make my courtyard wildlife friendly.
Would it be possible to send you a short video so you could maybe give me some ideas of how to improve my area please ?
Hi there Andy, I do offer a consultation service on site, but I am so wrapped up with client jobs at the moment, 6 days a week - but I have the Wild Your Garden book (shameless plug!) that has everything and more to give you every idea needed - you can buy a signed copy here:
wildyourgarden.com/product/wild-your-garden-book/
Hope this helps - if you'd like a consultation on site then please do send an email to enquiries@hazelwoodlandscapes.com - there's not so much a waiting list but a list where I visit people when I'm in the area to keep costs/mileage down. Best wishes - Joel
Hello. I have recently found these videos and have really enjoyed watching and learning from them. Over the weekend we finally built our wildlife pond and are really happy how it looks. We filled it upto the final level on Sunday and by Monday morning it had dropped by a couple of inches. I topped it up again and the same happend. I'm pretty certain it hasn't got a leak and the water is soaking up ( wicking effect) in the margins into the flower bed around the pond. Is there anyway I can stop this as it making my beach area smaller than I would like. Any help or advice would be great.
Many thanks Chris
Hi there Chris :) The sun and dry weather of late will certainly have had an effect on the water level, my own pond has been dropping several inches every day during this drier spell, it's not just the heat but it's the wind too which can play a big part in evaporation. Once the pond is established and the vegetation around the edge has established this will lessen the wicking effect but it will indeed be the plants that are making the most of the available moisture. Hope this helps, if it doesn't then do feel free to send a few photos across to hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com and I'll try to have a look asap - catching up on drawings and plans at home today but will be back between 4 different client sites over the next few weeks. Best wishes, Joel
Thank you very much for the guide! I found these to be a huge inspiration and have put a wildlife pond into our garden using this method. I do have a question if you see this, or anyone in the know - is this method prone to a kind of wicking/evaporation? I ask because my water level is dropping a bit quicker than I expected (around an inch a day) and I’m hoping someone will tell me that it’s normal and I just need plants to establish along the soil at the edge.
It wasn’t a small job and the liner wasn’t cheap so I’m very much hoping I didn’t balls it up!
Edit: One thing I didn’t do is check the weld in the liner, assuming that at the cost it was going to be properly done.
Hello Joe thank you for your video, very helpful. I will create a mini pond in my allotment. The space that I have there is in front of a small blackberry bush. Would that interfere somehow or is it fine to create the pond in front of the blackberry bush?
Thank you very much
Great idea 😊😊✌️✌️😍😍
Thank you :)
Great video, very informative
Thank you Ra - I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a positive comment, it makes all the difference to me :) Best wishes, Joel
Came here after watching the time laspe, this looks amazing, really the inspiration I was looking for! Thank you so much and God Bless you and your family ❤️🕊️✝️
Wow, thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a nice comment, it really is appreciated :) Really glad you've found the channel, there's lots more advice and more videos to come - best wishes to you and yours - Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton I'm binging your videos now really loving them all thank you for sharing 💕🕊️✝️
@@SereneSoakingSounds Absolute pleasure, I really appreciate your support and encouragement, it makes all the difference :) Wait until you get to the cuckoo rescue... :) Take good care over there - stay safe, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton can't wait to see that 💖🌸🕊️
Superb demo.
Thank you Nigel - really appreciate you taking the time to let me know, it does make a difference :) Best wishes, Joel
Loving your excellent UA-cam and website! As I've used subsoil to line my pond, do I still need to use aquatic pots for my shelf plants please?
Hi Jeanette, so glad that this was helpful to you, you should be able to plant directly into the subsoil, as shown in this video - and it's one of the reasons that this is the best method - if you could send an email across to enquiries@wildyourgarden.com with the plants you have in mind then we can advise specifically, but all marginals are able to be planted directly into the soil - best wishes, and thanks for your support and encouragement, it's appreciated :) Joel
Hello! Thank you- this is wonderfully helpful. I had already planned out my pond but now have changed tack slightly and I intend to try your fleece liner fleece subsoil method. Could you please recommend specific brands of fleece and liner that we can order online? And must it be Butyl liner or might a cheaper alternative last a good while, too? Also, we have a layer of chalk at .5m down, not subsoil- would a bag of "aquatic compost" or whatever it's called be ok to put in the pond? Thanks again. I wish gardening programmes on tv were a tenth as helpful as this!
Hi Sarah Jane :) Thanks so much for your kind comment, it means a lot! You can order everything you need at www.wildyourgarden.com and we'll be happy to help/give advice for the best materials to use, there are plants available too, and for ponds :) It's subsoil that is used in this pond, I usually manage to excavate enough once the depth is found, but you can get subsoil by the tonne bag - if you need help then do email us :) Best wishes - Joel
Thank you so much for your videos, especially the 'how to' ones.
I have taken so much inspiration and have just this weekend created a wildlife pond on a scrap of my land that runs up the side of my property. Just the width of a driveway but the plan is for a wildlife haven, so excited to see what visitors we will have! Xx
Fantastic to read this Claire - another vital habitat for wildlife! So pleased that the channel has been helpful - let me know how many visitors reward you for your efforts :) Sounds like a brilliant weekend. Best wishes, Joel
Thanks for your advices 👍
You’re very welcome and thank you 😊
Hi Joel. I have a question about lining. I have been building a large 20 by 5ft pond with a small island in the middle. It is dug about a metre deep into the peat topped red clay here in county Antrim but won't hold the water after March. I have looked into getting liners but am struggling to find a liner big enough here and don't know how to manage the island in the middle. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Mac
Hi there Mac :) If you send me an email to hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com this will be easier to explain and I can let you know about alternatives - best wishes, Joel
Hi, thanks for the informative videos. I've been super keen to build one ever since reading Chris Baines Wildlife Gardening book a few years ago and now I've finally got the courage up to create not one but two ponds your video really helps in answering some of the questions I had on the process. However, I do have a couple of questions now that I have started to build the first of them. This one is going into my allotment plot and unfortunately is reasonably close (say 8 meters) to a sycamore tree line that borders the allotment. It's not too much of a problem from a sunshine perspective as its running North East and I intended to cover the majority of the pond during the autumn leaf fall, but now I've dug the well hole I am finding some finger sized roots I suspect are from the trees. I'm worried that sooner or later these will regrow and puncture my pond. How worried should i be? Secondly, I've dug the well part and really not come across anything that looks like sub soil. Good from a veg growing point of view but not so good for the pond soil. If I was to reuse this and maybe some gravel for the bird area and well, what's the worst that can happen? Will I just have to wait longer for the pond to get over the excessive nutrient levels?
Hi. Thanks for commenting. Firstly, I wouldn’t worry about the roots as it sounds as if you are far enough from the tree. As long as you use the protective fleece below the liner, this should act as a root barrier. Secondly, regarding the subsoil, you can just use gravel in the bottom and mid the soil with sharp sand for the planting margins if you need to. Alternatively we sell a sandy subsoil by the tonne on the wild your garden website if you’re really stuck. Hope the above helps but here if you have any more questions 😊👍 Best of luck with it! Keep in touch. Joel.
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thanks Joel I'll use the idea of mixing in the sand, although having dug the allotment pond I've had a rethink and may do something smaller scale and do my garden pond first and then maybe use any pond liner off cuts I have to make a wet land area around a smaller crate pond at the allotment. I think that might work and would be fun to try at little expense if it fails.
Nice comment
Hi. I've another question. I've now built myself a good sized sunny positioned pond. I've still got my old 'crate' pond which is much smaller and in a less sunny spot, and soon to be even more shaded as I've planted a small tree nearby. Is there a wildlife benefit to having a shaded, more rotten pond as well? I'm thinking that it might provide a habitat for some different creatures if I let it stay and allow leaves etc to build up.
I LOVE YOUR TROUSERS, WHERE CAN I GET THE SAME FOR MYSELF?
THANK YOU, thank you, for these wonderful informative videos that I've just discovered. I immediately subscribed and have learned such a lot from you and the people you interview. I'm about to build a small 1.5m x 2m pond in my 70m2 vegetable garden and have a question: my subsoil is all soft sand mixed with clay and very orange in colour. Can I use this as it is, or add some brown soil, or just remove the clay element of the subsoil?
We already have a frog lurking in the garden and often get visited by damsel flies so I'm looking forward to installing a dragon fly perch. I'm soooo excited, just waiting for some building work to end then can get cracking. PS I'm in the Berkshire countryside.
Thank you so much for this, what a wonderful comment to read :) So pleased that you are creating vital habitat, I promise you will be rewarded! Clay is absolutely fine in subsoil, absolutely fine and with the sand yours sounds perfect - the main aim is to have soil that is as low nutrient as possible, this helps keep the water clear and allows planting directly into the pond of course. Not sure if you are aware but we provide everything you need for the wildlife garden, including ponds and we're always happy to offer advice for free - you can see everything you'll need at www.wildyourgarden.com or send an email to enquiries@wildyourgarden.com if you need help with liner measurements and plants etc. Best wishes, and thanks for your encouragement and support, it does make a difference to me :) Joel
I would love to make a pond using your videos, they are brilliant. Unfortunately I really don't have a proper sunny spot in my garden. It's shaded by walls and fences, but there is an area without much foliage to fall. Is it still possible for me to make a small wildlife pond?
Hi there - if you could send a couple of photos to me at enquiries@hazelwoodlandscapes.com then I can advise better re positioning :) Happy to help - best wishes, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Wow, THANK YOU! I'll send some over. Really appreciate your help and reply.
Hi. I'm in New Orleans, Louisiana with full sun exposure all day on my garden... can I still do a barrel wildlife pond? If so how do I find the proper plants?
Hi AnneMarie - absolutely you can. You will need to find plants native to your area of course and I have just checked and Pond Megastore (they're online) are in US and have a vast range, they also will let you know which plants are native to your area. I hope that this helps, let them know I sent you! Very best wishes, Joel
And i love nature of India
Me too! From Kaas Plateau through to Himalayas... all so beautiful! Best wishes, Joel
Hi Joel, I bought from RSPB the kit to make a small pond 1.2 x 1.2 and 0.4m depth. I bought these before I found your videos whereby you recommend at least 0.6m depth due to less likelihood of water freezing at bottom. Shall I change plan and buy new kit or if I monitor the pond in the winter (e.g. removing or using water for any forming ice) or use a partial cover that may help? Thank you for your time
Hello there - sorry for the delay, I was away visiting clients this weekend. Any water source is good for nature and very important, absolutely you can keep an eye on it in winter and there's a short video on the channel called "ice in my pond" - not that you will need it at the moment! ;) there is always time to make another pond at a later date, I will also be doing a video on a small "bog garden" that your current pond could be adapted to, I wouldn't worry about a cover for now though, you'll want that water to be available for the birds who need the water just as much in the winter :) I hope this is helpful, it will be fine but re the depth this is also because toads prefer deeper water to frogs - best wishes, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thank you very much for getting back to me and no apology needed! Indeed I was referring of the cover just for the frosty day, but yes I will take a look at your video and will not put the cover on frosty days/nights. Joel, I feel bas asking question because it takes your time to answer and I am making use of your expertise gained through hard work. I will promote your work on social media if you do not mind. Also if you have such a thing like patreon for donations let us know! I am also buying your book. Thanks again.
Very nice! What type of fleece is it you’re using? Is there a danger of it biodegrading?
Hello :) The fleece is easily available on line, but you could equally use old carpeting or any thick material - the fleece I use lasts a long time and in 15 years I have never had any problems reported - but again, it can be any thick fabric, it is just to protect the liner of course and then allow subsoil on top so that plastic plant plots are not needed and the plants can be put direct into the soil - I am here to help if you have any other questions :) Best wishes, Joel
I have just started building my pond I'm worried 1 foot is not deep enough also I need to do a shallow part for the creatures getting in and out
Hi Thomas - I would recommend deeper as a shallow pond will dry out/lose water quickly - if you wanted to send some photos of the area and your progress so far I am happy to advise on the best way - just drop me an email at hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com - best wishes, Joel
Thank you for this informative video! What type of plants are best for a southern Mediterranean climate ? I live in Malta and it’s quite dry esp in summer
Hi Joel! If you need to use two pond liners, is a sealant/tape required or can placement and weight hold together? Do you have a tape/sealant recommendation if required?
Great video, I have clay soil. What soil would you recommend for using inside the pond if I have to buy it?
I also purchased your book, well worth the read if anyone else is thinking about it.
Hi there Dan, if you're in the UK feel free to drop me an email at enquiries@wildyourgarden.com, I offer free personal and tailored advice to customers here and would be happy to help if you wanted to send a few photos and I can let you know if your current soil is suitable. Best wishes and thank you re the book, I really appreciate it - Joel
Can I use aquatic compost to to top up my sub soil. really enjoyed your 3 part series a real help
Hi I have several small ponds in my garden including a preformed
I want to build a bigger one 7ft x 12ft my garden slopes from left to right is it best to build up on one side or have a drop from the higher side ?
Hi Joel, great video. Did you mention what size of liner you used for this pond and exactly what kind of underlay you used for the top layer? I’m wondering if any type of underlay will do the job of retaining the soil?
Cheers.
Hi Stephen. Thank you for commenting. For the top layer of fleece, I used the same industrial strength fleece that I used under the liner. If you’re interested in buying some, let me know or just have a look on the wild your garden.com website, as we sell it on there 👍 As for the liner size, I believe if it was a 3m x 2m x 600mm deep, I would order a liner of 5m x 4m to be safe and allow a little extra. Again, we sell this on the website if you’re looking for some. All the best. Joel.
Beautiful, inspiring and helpful video! Thanks for that! Can the water in a pond this size and deapth heat up too much when in full sun? Thanks for your help :)
You are very welcome Jaap :) Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive comment, it really does make a difference to me. They can warm up, my own pond in the garden is 3m x 2m and it is in full sun but in over 4 years now there hasn't been a problem, lots of pond cover in the form of oxygenators, lilies etc will help of course :) I hope that is helpful to you, always here if you need advice - best wishes, Joel
What would you recommend? 1mm butyl OR 1.2mm EPDM - that's my choice locally - the EPDM is slightly cheaper. Thanks!
Sorry for the delay in answering you here, trying to keep up with everyone. We sell the liner that I've used on all my projects for over 18 years at www.wildyourgarden.com - I can happily advise on quantities and type so that you don't over-order. Just drop us a line on the website. Best wishes, Joel
If one was to buy subsoil, what should you buy?
I have the luxury problem of the topsoil here being at least 1,2 meter deep. Which is great for gardening, but not for ponds.
Hi there - sorry for the delay - drop me a line at enquiries@wildyourgarden.com and I'll happily help :) Best wishes, Joel
would natural shorn sheep fleece be ok to use? Would have a cushioning effect below the liner. Not sure if it would have any detrimental effect to the water quality? Be good a cushion to protect liner from heron beaks too? Thanks. You're really good at explaining how, and reasons..
Hi there Noel - not sure if you've managed to watch the other 2 parts to this series yet but I'm not so sure with natural shorn fleece, it would certainly protect the underside of the liner, but I'm wondering how fast it would "break down" naturally once the subsoil and water are on top of the upper layer, you need the fleece so that the subsoil stays in place really, and the subsoil keeps the water clear and also allows you to plant directly into it, negating the use of baskets. Good question though, although not so sure how long natural shorn fleece would "last".... hope this helps a little :) Best wishes, Joel
Looks good
Thank you, appreciated!
Joel : a few questions if you don't mind. Could you use sand instead of subsoil? Also, is this purpose of the well/wall in the deep section only for weighting down the liner?
Hi. Yes you could use sand as subsoil, just bare in mind that it won’t hold up on steeper sides very well. The well in the middle is to achieve the desired depth of 600mm minimum 👍 Hope this helps 😊
I'm so glad I've found your site. I'm a new gardener working on my wildlife oasis, year 2. Thank you for sharing your experience and paying the love forward.
Im planning on building a pond to attract frogs beside my blueberry patch which has acidic soil. Is the acidic soil a problem for the frogs or any of the plantlife?
Started using your advice
Thanks for the brilliant videos-they're very informative. We are in the early stages of creating our wildlife pond (we've marked it out and removed the turf). Our garden unfortunately slopes slightly in both directions so we will have some disparity between the pond sides (around 4-5 inches). Can you please advise on how best to dig the different shelves on a pond that isn't naturally level?
That’s the same problem I’m facing. Will love his advice on that x
Hi Joel, I was feeling very daunted about how to make a wildlife pond until I saw your videos. Now I am feeling excited. Thank you!. I have a few questions: I am in a new build garden with very clay-y soil, poor drainage and fairly compacted rubble underneath. Cost is a factor too. I will make a pond the size you did in video- 2.5m length and 2m across widest part (less at other end)
(1) Could I use sand as the layer directly under the liner instead of fleece - or a mixture of both sand in deeper parts and fleece around the edges?
(2) My local garden centre sells plastic liners - and these are much cheaper than the Butyl ones (which they don't sell), is it OK to use a plastic liner in your method? and last
(3) as I understand it from one of your comments below - I need to dig the well to 700mm, then compact down 100mm subsoil and/or gravel in the bottom and then build up around the edges with the rocks and looser subsoil. Have I understood this? It seems in the video like you filled the whole pond including the well with subsoil so feeling confused about the first dig hole depth.
And appreciating your willingness to answer our comments.
Hi Penny, thanks so much for your support and kind words, much appreciated :) As long as the clay soil doesn't have a lot of sharp small stones scattered in it then the sand will be fine under the liner, if you can use some fleece too then that's better of course, this is just to ensure the liner is protected. The Butyl one is more expensive but it does have a life-time guarantee and this is furthered by the fleece on top and the subsoil of course as it doesn't suffer from UV damage. The other lines you mention are fine as they'll also be covered by the fleece and subsoil but do treat it carefully as there's nothing worse than a slight hidden rip! If you do want the Butyl and you're in the UK we sell it on the website - www.wildyourgarden.com - just go to the ponds section, where all the pond plants are too. Yes, that's the recommended depth of well for that size pond, as you build up the whole area with the subsoil it will balance this depth out. Hope this helps - let me know if there's anything I've left unanswered :) Best wishes and thanks for making another vital habitat for nature - Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks so much, that's helpful.... One last question - which I didn't ask before - presumably the fleece is made of plastic - could any of the fleece above the liner (in the water) be nibbled by creatures in the pond and cause them harm? eg micro plastics in their system?
@@pennyspawforth3167 Hi Penny, no re the fleece as it's covered by a substantial amount of subsoil and should not be on show once the pond is completed anyway, it's industrial fleece and will be compacted, if using the butyl liner then this has a lifetime guarantee too and will ensure the pond is not going to be needed to be replaced, rather than preformed fibreglass ponds that eventually crack with UV rays etc. Hope this helps - best wishes, Joel
Sorry, I do have another quick question! What weight is the fleece you used? 50gms? more?
@@pennyspawforth3167 Hi Penny - rushing this as on site at moment - but you can find the liner and fleece required (and that I use on all projects) here:
wildyourgarden.com/product-category/ponds-accessories/
See the left hand side for sections - best wishes, Joel
Hi. Thank you very much for this, very helpful and informative.
Just at the stage of digging my pond and I am a bit uncertain about the "subsoil." The soil is generally quite friable and crumbly, dark brown coloured until about 15 inhes down where it turns into sticky, yellow clay. Presumably, I don't want to be putting this into the pond?
Hi there Andy - if you're in the UK feel free to drop me a few photos to enquiries@hazelwoodlandscapes.com and I'll be able to check for you - clay is fine as it's low nutrient, and it's the low nutrient that you want - but I'm happy to advise :) Best wishes, Joel
hi Andy - did you use this clay for your subsoil in the end? We have the same issue with the one we are currently creating - also concerned that the clay particles will keep pond murky. How did you get on?
@@simonawebber Hi Simon. I didn't. I decided not to risk it. I just decided to use gravel on the base of the pond and plant in pockets created from the fleece underliner. Although I haven't finished, yet, so can't say how this will work out!
@@andyecelson9913 interesting. Not found anyone commenting on these videos who has used clay yet.
Found people using gypsum to clear cloudy clay elsewhere, so might go down that route. Thanks for replying. My digging will continue 😀
Do wildlife ponds not require filtration? ie; this one appears to be just a skeeter magnet mud hole
Hi Joel! I'm looking to dig a wildlife pond and your videos have been really helpful in giving me information on how to go about it, so thanks a lot! One question, I live in the Basque Country, so it can get very hot in the sun. Would you still recommend putting the pond totally in direct sunlight? I would worry about the water level being decimated in the summer months and the water temperature itself (it won't be much bigger than the pond you have made in this series of videos). Thanks for any information!
Hi there Micky - so pleased to hear that you will be doing this in Basque Country :) As long as you get some good surface cover, fringed water lilies etc are great for this sized pond (latin name NYMPHOIDES PELTATA if that helps!) but if you wanted it to be part shade then that is fine too, particularly for the area of Spain. Here are a few of the many ponds created in this way over the last 16 years - it may help you to see how the vegetation can keep the water body cooler and how they look when established (which is in no time at all) -
ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html
I hope this helps - let me know if you need any more advice - best wishes, Joel
Can you build a small wildlife pond like your in Canada? The snow and ice would fully cover the pond.
Hi Dorothy, I know a fair few people that have had success with these ponds in Canada - you may want to make the pond as deep as possible to try to ensure not all the water freezes over. However, I did read that frogs are able to stop their hearts completely when frozen and then re-start them when the water starts to thaw - amazing! I wouldn't let this put you off, as some of the best ponds for wildlife dry out in summer months. Best wishes - Joel
Thank you Joel, I will proceed with my pond in spring.
@@dorothylaplante7243 You're very welcome Dorothy, I hope the videos are helpful - there are lots of other videos regarding ponds etc on the channel :) Best wishes - Joel
is there alot work with a pond if you dont need fishs? i want to build one for my parents but they dont all work with
Happy to say there is LESS work Kristoffer, fish add nutrient to ponds and that is why they become prone to algae and a dirty appearance. This is why koi ponds need expensive set-ups to keep them clean. There is so much other wildlife that can benefit in ponds without fish. I like fish, a lot - but not in wildlife ponds unless small native fish in a suitable sized area. Best wishes, Joel
Hi Joel. Please help. I've been using this set of videos to start my own pond and it was going well but today I spilt quite a bit of aquatic soil in it and it's gone completely cloudy. Will this clear in time or will I have to start again.
Hi Scotty - I'm not sure of the size of your pond or the size of the aquatic soil bag of course but if it's gone completely cloudy there are two things - wait a day or two for it to settle, if it's still clouding over then I'm afraid it's a case of draining the pond and then removing the layer of "sunken" soil that will be on the bottom and sides - not ideal I know but it's best to do it now rather than put up with it later as it'll no doubt be annoying in time. Sorry, but that's the only way I think. Hopefully it won't be too much work and the effort will be worth it - I'll repeat this on the other video too where you've asked the question of course - best wishes, Joel
I live in a climate where in the summer it get 30c and in the winter it can get -15c do you have any tips on things i can do differently and I want to keep gees in the pond
This is such a clear and informative video, it's really given me the confidence to get out and dig that pond! Thanks so much 👍 Just sourcing boulders and cobblestones though and wondering if there is a sustainable supply/supplier you'd recommend?
Thank you Susie - I am so glad it helped and that you will be making another important habitat for nature, I'm absolutely thrilled at the number of people who are doing the same, you certainly will reap the rewards :) For the client ponds I make I use either quarries or wholesalers due to the amount I use, so can't recommend a particular supplier but you should be able to find these at DIY centres or even garden centres etc - or you could try a "local to me" search on ebay as a lot of people do sell unwanted items like this - sorry I couldn't be of further help on this, I'm here if you have any other queries though :) Best wishes, I really appreciate your support - Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thank you so much for your reply. It's really encouraging, and the video helped so much. I've been researching pond building for a while and was getting a bit nervous, but this video really helped. Thanks for the tips on suppliers. I'll try my local garden centres. Looking forward to watching all your videos now I've found you. Hopefully I'll have a wildlife paradise by the end of the year!
@@susiewebb5669 My pleasure Susie :) I am hoping to upload a video later this evening, you may find it of interest if you were looking for plants, seeds, pond plants when you are finished - I do hope you enjoy the channel though - this particular video may give you some inspiration - just a fraction of the ponds I have created over the last 16 years:
ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html
Best wishes, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thank you for your help. Just seen your announcement, very exciting and a much needed venture. This will be dangerous for my wildflower obsession 😂
Hi Joel, you say that the pond should be at least two feet(or 60cms)deep. But I can't understand how it is still two feet deep if you fill it up with soil. I noticed that after you finished putting all the subsoil in the pond, it seemed to be completely full. I understand that when the soil is wet, it will sink lower in the pond, but I just cannot see how the pond still be two feet deep in the well.? I intend starting my new wildlife pond quite soon and already have one ton(about 1000kgs) of subsoil. Thanks for the wonderful videos and information about wildlife.
Hi Sharon, it's hard to tell from the video angles but the well was 2ft deep after the subsoil was filled (700mm prior to back-filling) and of course the subsoil is around the edges too so this ensures the same depth is achieved. Thanks for your kind words and support, I really appreciate it - hope this has helped, best wishes - Joel
Hi Joel, thanks so much for explaining that for me. I now feel confident about how to put the subsoil in and am looking forward to getting started soon. Kind regards - Sharon@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton
@@sharoncalver4106 You're very welcome Sharon, let me know how you get on, would love to see some photos when you're done - you'll be rewarded for your hard work, I promise :) Best wishes - Joel
I am in a place that reaches -20C. Is there a anything I can do to calculate minimum depth?
Hi Joel. Is it okay to use aquatic soil in a wildlife pond?
What you recommend putting in if your pond has a high side? The front and sides will be level but I have a part terraced garden and will inevitably have a higher back side of pond (~3m long and about a foot higher). Trying to see it as an opportunity rather than a problem so is there anything unique I can do to create habitat or for planting out?
Hi. Thanks for this question. As for the difference in height, I would see this as an opportunity to create a hibernaculum for amphibians and reptiles by using rocks / stones similar to a dry stone wall, protruding out of and above the water level, with lots of gaps in between which could be part filled with soil for planting with drought tolerant plants such as marjoram, bird's-foot trefoil and foxglove to name a few. Not only will this provide nectar for pollinators, but also a refuge for animals during the winter months. Hope this is helpful, but let me know if you have any more questions, or join me on 31st January for episode 2 of Wild Your Garden Live at 3pm (GMT) where I will be answering questions from people around the world :-) Thanks again, Joel.
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton awesome, cheers Joel. Sounds like a good plan. I was planning on make an adjacent tree stump (still in the ground) into the hibernaculum so I'll just join them up to make it a mega complex 😅. Will try and join you next Sunday, if not then I'll be watching it on catch up again 👍
@@tuscan440r Great, you must send me some photos when you're done - remember I'm always here if you need any more help :) Good luck
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton will do 😉
Thanks
Thank you so much :-)
So my first question, does it stay as a stagnant mud puddle? Here in Canada, that would be infested with mosquito larvae in days.
Hi Blair - thankfully no, I've used this method for over 15 years now and they are designed to attract larger insects, amphibians, bats, birds etc that all feast on any mosquitoes and their larvae - they make quite a dent in any population, oxygenators keep the pond clear without need for any pumps etc - you can see a few of the many ponds I've created using this method, here:
ua-cam.com/video/jG1w7MUhhXs/v-deo.html
Best wishes, Joel
yeaaaah India gets a mention!
I'm coming to India to see the beautiful and vast wildlife and to meet the wonderful people - everyone has been so encouraging, I hope you enjoy the channel, and thank you! Joel :)
Of course it does! 😁👍
Hello, thank you for this video! How would you handle a pond in a region with very high ground-water (when I dig 30 cm in the winter I already encounter water). A liner would not be possible, since water would come from underneath it right?
Unfortunately the water levels vary quite a lot between winter and Sommer, which would lead to part of the pound being dry during Sommer...
Hi Louise - I'd recommend digging and lining the pond at the end of summer when it is dry and the water table will be lowest (Aug/September). The weight of the water will counteract the ground water by the time the inclement weather arrives - hope this is helpful - best wishes, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thank you! I will try this sommer 😊
@@louiseleroy9559 Let me know how you get on Louise, good luck :) Joel
Hi Joel et al.
I am in the Pacific Northwest (Portland to be exact) of the US and would like to install a small (~2x3m) pond. If you aren't familiar, we are at quite a northern latitude and as such, we have large daylight shifts seasonally. For example, a location that might get anywhere from 6-8 hours of sun in the summer can easily get 0 hours of direct light in the winter. Additionally, we occasional get hard frosts but most of the time the lows are in the 30's and rainy in the winter.
My question: do you have experience with how ponds (without fish) fare in winters? Do organisms go dormant? Importantly, will our delicately balanced aquatic ecosystem fail if our location receives little to no direct sunlight throughout the majority of the winter, but plenty of sun during Spring-Fall. Any additional resources specific to this climate that you can link to would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Hi there Shane - would it be ok for you to send this to my email so we can converse easier? I don't always seem to get all notifications on comments so this will ensure I don't miss a question - you can reach me at hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com - just mention Portland and I'll know :) Hope this is ok - best wishes, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Sounds great to me. I just shot off an email :)
@@shanebennett581 Thanks Shane, will try to get back to you over the weekend - many thanks - Joel
We have very sandy soil, where could I find sub-soil ?
Hi there Wendy - it is available, there are several places - depending upon where you are of course - that will supply subsoil by the tonne bag but you will have to google those close to you, some may supply at a distance but it is usually at a minimum of 5 tonne bags - but do search locally to you, it is readily available. I of course obtain mine in huge loads for the client ponds I do but it would be too much for an individual pond. I hope this helps - best wishes, Joel
Please, what you use for a base material?
Hello Ivan, I hope I am understanding your question :) It is subsoil, then fleece, then liner, then fleece, then subsoil... I hope that helps - let me know :) Best wishes, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton ... thanks Joel, you understand me well, but im a little bit confused what kind of liner? Plastic one? Can i use simple nylon? Sorry for too many questions ...
@@ivanuric2801 It is known as fleece for the white liner. The black liner is Butyl Rubber liner. If you want to send me an email to hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com then I can maybe explain easier :) No problem, at all Ivan - best wishes, Joel
Hi joe I’ve built a wildlife pond but I’ve a lot of slime?? How can I avoid this, can slime harm tadpoles ?
Hi there Willie, algae is good for tadpoles in that it is a food source for them. Algae is usually a result of there being too much nutrient in the water and warm water, although at this time of year I suspect it's not due to warm water - depending of course where in the world you are. You can rake it out and leave it on the side of the pond so any small creatures can find their way back to the pond. I hope this helps, it's difficult to know without seeing it of course. This video here might be helpful though:
ua-cam.com/video/A5kZJ-WhNgg/v-deo.html
Best wishes, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thank you very much joe great advice I’m here in Ireland
@@williecorcoran2676Hope it helps Willie, feel free to email me at the www.wildyourgarden.com email address if you need any other help. Best wishes and have a great weekend, Joel
Hi Joel. Love all your videos and have just dig out the shape for my new wildlife pond. One question I have is about the subsoil to retain as a base for the pond.
I felt that I dig down about a foot and half and soil was still same colour as topsoil before i hit what seemed like clay. This was the first colour change I had to re lighter colour you describe . Is this what I need to use as my pond base layer please ? Thank you 😊
Hi Craig, I have the exact same problem (only I’ve dug down till about 3ft- still black!). Did you end up finding a solution? I was thinking maybe using the soil from all the way down there, because how furtile can it really be, mixed with sand? Thanks in advance:).
hi Craig - did you use this clay for your subsoil in the end? We have the same issue with the one we are currently creating - also concerned that the clay particles will keep pond murky. How did you get on?
It can't be done by anyone.Nice mouth. I'm rooting for you.
Hello! Thank you :) I hope the videos help people to learn how to do this at home, every space for nature is good, even a small one :) Hoping all is good where you are - best wishes, Joel
Question! I don't have a bird bath/mini pond yet, and in my climate summers are very hot and dry. So in the mean time I got like a poultry drinker from a farm store, just to put out on very hot days. I'm having this issue though in that crows, while they're drinking from it, are using it to soften their food and then they leave food in it. Like I went outside and there was a whole piece of baguette that a crow had left in there (who knows where it came from, I imagine some neighbor's bin nearby not well closed -- I'm in the city). If I get a bird bath or pond I just wonder if I'm going to end up with crows leaving baguettes in that too? At least the poultry drinker is easy to clean, disinfect & re-fill... Does anyone else have this problem?
love from india
And back to you Sanju - thank you so much for your support, it is appreciated :) Best wishes to you and yours - Joel
Hello, I have been planning a pond project but cannot find anywhere that sells subsoil (all the places that show up are in the UK but I am in California), and the soil in my garden is very dark / claylike-- there is no distinct change as you mention. How big of a problem is it to go with just the soil I have? Or would it be best to use gravel?
Also thank you so much for these videos, its clear you love your work and its a joy to learn from you!
Hi Robert :) Clay is often used for ponds so it may well be ok, I expect if you dig and the soil is undisturbed previously it should be poorer within the first 12 inches, ie a lot less nutrients in this soil and that is what you need to keep the water clear, you will need oxygenating plants too of course but the clay should be "watertight" enough - there is also no problem with using gravel on the bottom to save on subsoil and going down too far. I hope that this helps - let me know how you get on - best wishes, Joel
You are very welcome, just knowing that another habitat is being created for wildlife is reward in itself :) Best of luck
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton That was so quick! Thank you so much!!
You're very welcome - hope it helps - do let me know how you get on - you can email me with updates to hazelwoodlandscapes@hotmail.com :)
Hey there, is clay is an ok subsoil for the bottom of the pond?
Hi Julia - it is indeed, as unless you want a lily right in the middle, chances are you won't be planting in this part - hope this helps - best wishes, Joel
@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thanks a million, it does help loads. You completely sold me on the idea of the pond:) i’ve been digging like im posessed ha! Best to you sir
@@juliacyrzan1751 You're very welcome Julia, there are many other videos on the channel to help re the ponds and show some different examples, I hope these are helpful too - best wishes to you and yours, Joel
hi Julia - did you use this clay for your subsoil in the end? We have the same issue with the one we are currently creating - also concerned that the clay particles will keep pond murky. How did you get on?
@@simonawebber i chucked it! My pond is tiny so i used all the subsoil i had in places where the plants were to go. And the rest i left bare. The visible felt (it’s dark grey), especially on folds did annoy me the first year but you can’t tell anymore and the imperfections make for great hiding places:)
Hi Joel, I love your videos and they have inspired me to put a wildlife pond in my garden in London. I recently dug a pond and tried to stick to the min of 60cm deep in the middle. However once I added to soil and some rock etc the middle is more like 40cm. I have noticed that the pond is losing about 1-2cm of water per day. Could having a smaller shallower pond be a cause of rapid evaporation?
Hi there Larry - thanks so much for the encouragement re the channel, I am so glad it's been helpful and another vital habitat has been made :) The subsoil and plants will "wick" up quite a bit of water while they're establishing, but as soon as it's settled in a few weeks it will stop losing water - there is the sun and of course wind that plays a huge part in evaporation but the initial water loss will surely be because of the subsoil and plants soaking it up :) I hope that this is helpful and puts your mind at rest - best wishes, Joel