Hi there.
My allotment is a corner plot and the previous owners had dug a small pond adjacent to it. Not technically on the plot but within a boundary hedge. However it has now become overgrown with bramble and neglected.(There is also the biggest Giant Hogweed I have ever seen growing beside it!) I want it to benefit the local wildlife as much as possible. Especially the frogs as they very useful in the war on slugs! Should I just leave it to Nature or actively manage it to encourage wildlife ? Also if the best thing would be to manage it are there any good online resources or books anyone could recommend?
Thanks,
Dan.
Get rid of the hogweed, it spreads like mad and is a deep rooted nuisance in a small space. If it really is giant hogweed rather than just a large hogweed plant (which can be pretty big) use gloves as the sap is not a nice thing to get in contact with your skin. Brambles probably not great on an allotment either.
If you do a search on wildlife ponds you should get some good ideas for plants. Try http://www.saga.co.uk/magazine/home-garden/gardening/wildlife/how-to-make-a-wildlife-pond.aspx#
Thanks Redalder.Think I'll have to get the gloves and secateurs out!