Water Features
Building a Pond
A pond in your garden provides an endless source of fascination as you watch pond life take hold and insects, snails, fish and plants establish themselves. Here's how to build an informal pond that's suitable for all sizes of gardens.
Time to complete job: 2-3 days
Approximate budget: £200
You will need:
- Spade
- Sand
- Butyl liner
- Mortar (3:1 sand to cement)
- Decorative stones or paving slabs
- Spirit level
- Pond plants
- Fish
If you have young children, a pond can be dangerous, even lethal. Consider a safe water feature instead. See Simple Water Features for inspiration. And for tips on maintaining your pond, see Pond Maintenance.
For more garden building projects, see Laying Decking and Laying a Patio.
Step 1: Choosing your spot
To position your pond, choose a sunny position away from overhanging trees. You need a minimum area of 3.75 square metres (40 square feet). Any smaller and overheating causes algae problems. Make sure there are no underground services nearby.Mark the outline of your pond on the ground with a flexible hose or rope. Try a traditional kidney shape for a distinctive look.
Tip: Irregularly shaped or informal ponds look better further from the house and most natural in the lowest part of the garden.
Step 2: Preparing the base
Dig down 250mm (10in) to form a ledge 250mm (10in) wide.Dig down another 300mm (1foot) minimum. If the total area is over 9 cubic metres (100 cubic feet) the depth should be at least 60cm (2ft) in the centre.
Tip: Don't just get rid of the soil you excavate - you can use it to make another garden feature, like a raised bed or rock garden.
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