How-to Guide
How to Build a Wildlife Pond
The short answer
Aim for a pond with depth that varies from shallow margins to about 20-60cm (8in-2ft), which suits most pond plants and creatures, and give at least one side a long, shallow slope so wildlife can climb in and out.
Site it where part of the pond gets full sun to warm up in spring while part is shaded to limit algae, skip fish (they eat the wildlife you are trying to attract and raise nutrient levels), and top up with rainwater rather than tap water. Autumn and winter are the ideal seasons to build.
How deep and what shape
A wildlife pond does not need to be deep. The RHS suggests a depth that varies across the pond, ideally in the 20-60cm (8in-2ft) range, which suits the majority of pond flora and fauna. Varying the depth gives different creatures the conditions each prefers.
The single most important feature for wildlife is a long, shallow, sloping side. This lets frogs, toads, hedgehogs and birds get in and out safely, and as the water level rises and falls it creates a damp marginal habitat that many small creatures depend on. A pond with only steep sides becomes a trap.
Where to put it
Position the pond so that at least part of it sits in full sun, which helps the water warm quickly in spring and makes it attractive to spawning frogs and toads. At the same time, some shade over part of the pond helps reduce problems with algae.
Avoid siting a pond directly under trees if you can, since falling leaves add nutrients and decay in the water, though a little leaf fall is not a disaster.
Water, fish, and timing
Fill and top up with rainwater wherever possible; tap water should only be a last resort because it is higher in nutrients that feed algae and blanketweed. A water butt plumbed to a nearby downpipe is the easiest supply.
Do not add fish to a wildlife pond. The RHS is direct on this point: fish are top predators in a garden pond, reducing biodiversity, and they raise nutrient levels that encourage algae and blanketweed. Autumn and winter are ideal times to make a new pond, so it can settle and fill with winter rain before spring.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) - Wildlife Ponds: How to Make Them — Recommends a varied depth of 20-60cm (8in-2ft), at least one long shallow sloping side for wildlife access, part sun/part shade siting, topping up with rainwater rather than tap water, avoiding fish (top predators that reduce biodiversity and raise nutrients), and autumn/winter as the ideal building season.