Let’s Build a Pond Together

A Curiosity guide to making your own pond.

Let's build a pond that will attract frogs, newts, bees and birds; boosting local biodiversity in your own garden. If you can’t dig a permanent pond, create a container pond using a large tub.

Building a pond is like a proprioceptive workout together: digging, lifting and carrying water is heavy work. It calms the nervous system and improves body awareness- and you get a pond for it in return!

• Grab your spades and wellies  and start by finding the perfect spot for your pond together.

• Find a sunny and flat space.

• Take turns digging the hole, it hasn't got to be too deep, 60 centimetres is fine.

• Line your pond (You can find liners at B&Q).

• Place heavy stones on the edges of the liner.

• Fill buckets with water and fill your pond.

• Place some plants around the pond and in the pond.

• Throw a bag of watercress in the water- this may seem odd but it will start growing, and will eventually grow little white flowers.

• Find a log or large branch to place across the pond as a creature ladder, lift and lower it together.

Sit together quietly by your lovely pond and watch for your first visitor!

- Maartje