Wildlife pond suitability

[binley100]

While hunting behind our garage for things suitable for an insect tower I came across an old tin bath. It's a longish one (bit coffin shaped) and prob about 2foot deep. Does anyone think this would be suitable for a wildlife pond.?

[Shadylane]

Sounds perfick. I read that they need to be at least 1 foot deep so it should be fine. We've just put a wee one in, it is wee though. Just make sure you put in some rocks or a ramp so the hedgehogs/frogs can get out.

[Two_Sheds]

I had an old bath, with frogs in. I piled up a load of bricks and blocks so they could climb in and out

Also planted some long grasses etc round the edges for cover from predators

[organic]

I'd echo TS's comment about sloped access.
Also if you can avoid having a large step down to the water that'd be smart. I believe hedgehogs sometimes make a habit of falling into ponds and with to steep an entrance or a step up from the water they can drown.

As it happens I'm thinking of sinking the bathtub that's on my plot and using it as a pond too.

As for the tin bath - is it really just a junker or might it be worth a few bob at a reclamation yard or on ebay? If so you might be better off flogging it and buying a kid's paddling pool or a purpose made rigid pond with the proceeds. Dunno how much the latter go for though.

[Dal]

I'd like to join in this thread, if I may? My wife and I have several times talked about putting in a small pond in the hopes of attracting frogs, etc. One main thing has stopped us.... we have lots of wild birds. Would the birds, blackbirds in particular, decimate the frog population?

[Two_Sheds]

Blackbirds don't eat frogs, although chickens do

[Dal]

Blackbirds don't eat frogs, although chickens do

Many thanks for that. Looks like I have another project ahead

[pipkins]

That was one of the first things we did on our lottie



We have frogs and water boatmen, pond skaters and the highlight was watching the dragon flies deposting their eggs truly magical

[moola]

what a lovely idea we have a big pond in our garden and I'm amazed at how many people suggest that we should fill it in and have more lawn space!!! It's truly wonderful watching all the wildlife year round... spectacular dragonflies this year - AMAZING colours

[binley100]

As for the tin bath - is it really just a junker or might it be worth a few bob at a reclamation yard or on ebay? If so you might be better off flogging it and buying a kid's paddling pool or a purpose made rigid pond with the proceeds. Dunno how much the latter go for though.

It belonged to my OH's great aunt so it's quite old but I doubt if it's worth much.