How to create a natural pond to promote the biodiversity of your garden?

The natural pond represents a unique ecosystem rich in biodiversity. It is home to a large number of plant and animal species that live in harmony. Do you want to build a recreational body of water in your garden? Follow our guide.

How to choose the ideal location for a garden pond?

The natural pond must benefit from the maximum runoff water. This is the reason why you should install it on the lowest point in your garden. Avoid sloping ground which promotes water loss. On the other hand, a flat surface makes it easier to preserve it.

Your garden pond needs good sunlight. Light rays are essential to maintain the correct balance of flora and to promote plant growth. The presence of trees and their dead leaves depletes the oxygen in the water and asphyxiates the aquatic environment . We advise you to provide an aeration solution for your body of water.

We recommend an orientation of the natural pond to the south with a clearing to the east and west. Your objective is to capture the maximum amount of sunlight and heat from morning until evening. Note that the existence of a shaft on the North side has no negative impact on your installation.

Do you want to enjoy a beautiful panorama of greenery all year round? Implement your natural pond within sight of your home. Its visibility from your favorite place of life and that you occupy the most offers a permanent advantage. Note that the shadow cast by your house or a wall does not harm aquatic life, provided it does not exceed 1/3 of its surface.

What are the technical characteristics to take into account?

The creation of a natural pond takes into account several criteria, namely: 

• The dimensions

• The form

• The profile

Your available space determines the dimensions of your garden pond . The principle: the larger your body of water, the more animal life it attracts. It also has good ecological stability by being less sensitive to temperature variations . Its creation, however, involves more important work.

The small natural pond measures approximately between 3 to 20m2. Its implementation according to technical standards promotes the creation of a specific biodiversity. You will have the chance to welcome batrachians, passing birds and breeding insects. Beyond 20m2, the heating of the body of water takes longer.

The curved or sinuous shape of the banks of a garden pond gives a more natural look. This is not the case for a geometric shape. The best technique for attracting many animal and plant species is to create various micro-habitats by varying the contours. Note that aquatic plants should not be too invasive or risk suffocating your ecosystem.

The establishment of successive stages during the digging of the body of water creates several levels of depth. This promotes the establishment of different plant species in your natural pond and this, according to their affinity. A gentle slope varying from 5 to 15° protects small mammals from drowning and facilitates the arrival of batrachians.

What are the works to be carried out to create your ecological pond?

the digging is a preliminary step for the creation of a natural pond . Based on the sketch or the established map, materialize the outline using stakes and string. Dig and extract the earth using a pickaxe, a spade and a shovel. The use of an excavator is essential for large areas of more than 20m2.

The installation of a waterproof coating in the bottom of the garden pond necessary if your floor is not impermeable. Opt for natural materials such as bentonite or clay. Professionals also offer artificial materials such as tarpaulin and preformed or concreted rigid bottoms. In order to reinforce the impermeability of the bottom, we recommend the installation of a layer of sand of 5 cm.

The next step is the put in water of your natural pond . Several options are available to you: water stored in a cistern, heavy downpours in the rainy season, tap water. To avoid erosion at the bottom, dampen the power of the water jet with a flat stone or a wooden board.

Finish creating your garden pond with the development work . The objective is to establish plant and animal life in this new ecosystem. For revegetation, plant native species that immediately adapt to local ecological conditions. Weight submerged plants with a lump of clay. The introduction of wildlife is not necessary as animal life such as insects, dragonflies and frogs appear on their own.

Our advice for a successful natural pond development

Fertilizers and pesticides harm animal and plant life in a natural pond . Avoid any installation below a field that uses these harmful products. Do you have several water supply options to choose from? Opt for the natural resource such as rainwater or river water. City water contains a significant amount of chemicals including chlorine.

If you have the space, the tendency is to opt for a garden pond large size. Be aware, however, that beyond 20 m2, the use of an excavator for digging becomes essential. The clearing of large volumes becomes problematic because it is necessary to plan how to evacuate it and what to do with it. To meditate.

The natural pond must have a deeper part of at least 80 cm. It is located in the southern part with a steep slope. Its role is to protect animal species during drying in summer and to protect them from freezing during winter. Diversify the habitats by installing broken flower pots or by scattering stones arranged in a staggered row.

One last point: the lack of maintenance of your garden pond quickly leads to its filling. Remember to maintain it regularly in order to maintain a good balance in the ecosystem. Simple gestures such as the elimination of faded flowers and damaged leaves are enough.

Do you need advice or a question to ask? Contact us at foudebassin.com. Our team will be happy to assist you in the realization of your project. Thanks to your natural pond , make your garden area a real haven of peace rich in biodiversity!