Ponds are vital to the environment and to the continued survival of wildlife. They provide shelter, water, and a safe location for reproduction.
Aquatic ecosystems are currently disappearing at an alarming rate across the world; even though they include some of the most unique and biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Their disappearance has a knock-on effect to various other ecosystems; including our own.
This means that your garden pond, whether it’s a container or a vast lake, has a huge role to play in protecting some of the most vulnerable wildlife in your area; but the benefits of this extend beyond your backyard. Ponds can make a huge impact on environmental issues; including climate change, flooding, and pollution.
You don't even need to make a pond; you can build a pondless waterfall that may attract some wildlife to the sound of running water. They may even want to have a little bath on their long journeys. Any source of water is beneficial to the environment.
Healthy ponds are signs of a good environment
Since water is so important for survival, a local water-based ecosystem can attract a diverse range of wildlife looking for a drink, bath, or a place to reproduce.
If you have any wildlife around your pond, this is a positive sign that your pond is healthy. Amphibians are excellent indicators of the health of an ecosystem as their skin is semi-permeable. This means they are in danger of succumbing to illnesses which may result in dead; but if your pond is supporting a healthy population of them, then your pond is in excellent shape!
Ponds can help to cycle nutrients and remove pollutants (Useful Blogs: Environmental Benefits of a Pond, 5 Benefits of Pond Plants)
While this may not be the case for all ponds, but most water ecosystems help to cycle nutrients. Nutrients or pollutants can end up in your pond through run off or via precipitation. An ecosystem can cycle these through your plants and fish, turning them into harmless chemicals. Because of this, the more plants you have in and around the pond, the cleaner the pond will be! When the healthy bacteria break down the harmless chemicals and decaying matter in your pond, this can create a layer of sludge at the bottom of the pond. This is excellent fertiliser and can be used on your garden beds; saving you both money and helps to reduce the dependence on chemical fertilizers.
Lastly, a diverse range of native plants in and around your pond will encourage a wider range of wildlife to visit your pond, as some insects may only be attracted to a certain type of plant! These plants will help to transform the pond into the centre piece of the garden and producing a beautiful, fresh aroma around your pond; this means the pond provides useful quality and an aesthetic quality to your garden.
Ponds provide shelter to wildlife (Useful Blogs: Wildlife Ponds, Winter Wildlife Sanctuaries)
As mentioned here and on other blogs we have available, wildlife will come to your pond. But this could include a wide array of animals looking for clean water and a healthy sanctuary. It is said that ponds support up to two thirds of all freshwater species in the UK ranging from the common frog, beetles, mayflies and newts to name a few!
Amphibians & Reptiles (Newts, frogs, toads & other amphibians)
While some may not like having amphibians in their pond, amphibians are important. They act as predators and prey; meaning they play an important role in the food web. Further to this, as mentioned above, they are uniquely placed to tell you how healthy your ecosystem is because of their semi-permeable skin.
Frogs are also useful, as they can eat many insects overnight and keep the ecosystem of the pond in balance. If there are no frogs nearby, you may find an increase in insects which may deter birds from visiting your pond. The key thing to take away is that frogs are a valuable part of a balanced ecosystem! Scientists are currently releasing studies which show the frog and toad populations are falling worldwide as their territories are lost or polluted. You would certainly be doing your bit for the environment by creating a habitat for them.
Waterfowl (Ducks, swans, herons etc)
While you may not expect waterfowl to be attracted to your pond, it may happen at some point! But don’t be afraid, they help to control algae growth, consume overgrown vegetation and they can help control inspect populations. Overall, they play a critical role in any pond. Further to this, because they migrate, they can disperse seeds wherever they go; this means they are important in encouraging diverse ecosystems with a range of plant species!
Because waterfowl migrate, they need places to rest; but there have fewer freshwater sources which can cause dehydration and exhaustion because pond-related ecosystems are disappearing. Your pond can act as an important pitstop for a weary waterfowl.
Birds
Depending on your pond’s location, you may see birds roosting nearby, drinking from the pond, cooling off or snacking on the various insects and seeds around your pond. Their role within the food web is mainly on species control (eating insects prevents them from becoming a nuisance around your pond and prevents invasive species settling in), but also seed dispersal (encouraging a diverse range of plants).
Birds are more likely to make their home around water sources because of the ecosystems it can support. Having a pond means you will see a more diverse range of birds compared to a garden without pond, which could be exciting to watch! You will also find birds are more likely to breed closer to a water source.
Mammals (Hedgehogs foxes, deer, bats etc)
While mammal populations remain steady, local populations may be suffering because of the challenges they face. This includes shelters, food, and water or even crossing busy roads. This places extra emphasis on the importance of your pond; as it can provide all of these things without the thread of exhaustion or death.
You may also find bats visiting your pond. As one of the rare flying mammals, bats are a sign of a healthy agricultural area because they can eat thousands of insect pests per night that would otherwise damage crops. For your pond, bats will prevent the insects from damaging your plants. While they may scare you, bats are nocturnal and will only visit your pond when you’re not around!
You may also find the below blogs useful:
• Water Features
• Top Tips
• What can you do to help your local environment?
• Can you run a pond without electricity?
If you have any queries, please email us on info@pondkeeper.co.uk.