Allotment Pond

For quite some time I have pondered (no pun intended) the idea of having a small pond on the allotment. Apart from the many benefits to wildlife, a small source of water can be truly fascinating with many hours spent watching the comings and goings of pond life. It is somewhat addictive.

Early last year I was offered a small rigid pond liner for free, it was going to the tip and of course I couldn’t refuse. Off I went to the allotment with my tiny pond under my arm to a dig a hole. After a bit of faffing to get the liner to sit level I filled the pond with rainwater from the water butt and added plants ‘borrowed’ from my pond at home. I piled small logs and sticks nearby to create a habitat for frogs or newts, a mouse peeks back at me sometimes but that’s perfectly fine.

Even in the dreary depths of winter the pond is still a great source of life and wonder. The oxygenating Hornwort plants have sunk to the bottom to overwinter, they have done a great job of keeping the water clean. In just a couple of months the marsh marigold will be in full bloom, covering much of the pond with butter-yellow flowers that are so attractive to bees.

The allotment will benefit from having a pond in other ways, should I be lucky to attract a frog or two.