Topic: How deep should my pond be?

[Lottieluvva]

Have just started to dig a wildlife pond in the corner of my allotment.  It is about 50cm deep.  Is that deep enough or should I keep going?  Anyone know?

[Mimi]

Depends what you intend to do with it Lottielover.  Are you keeping fish or is it purely a wild life pond ???

[Lottieluvva]

No fish, just other exciting little creatures that I will decant from the pond in my garden!

[Mimi]

I would think about 2-2 1/2 ft should be enough.  Check out this site for loads of useful info........http://web.ukonline.co.uk/conker/pond-dip/pond-making.htm

[aquilegia]

Hello Lottieluvva!

The minimum depth of water you need is 2ft so frogs can overwinter in the bottom without getting frozen. So you'll need to dig about 2ft6 deep to allow for the sand under the lining and more if you are putting soil at the bottom of your pond (that's what I've done with mine to plant directly into and give the beast something to hide in!)

[Obelixx]

I went to a talk by a wildlife expert a few years ago.  He said pond water depths needed to be over 60cm deep in the deepest part as at this depth the  temperature would remain a constant 6° and be good for hibernating critters.  I don't know if this works on very small ponds though.

[aquilegia]

How did it go Lottieluvva?