A perfect pond edge habitat

Dean Rural Services were approached by a client in Winchester to create a wildlife pond. This was to be no ordinary pond… but one where the roots of the vegetation, in particular lilies, which are rather prolific and threaten to take over the whole pond, are to somehow be contained. Submerged planters seemed to be the perfect solution.
A natural island which was in keeping with the proportion of the pond was also recommended. This proved to be quite a challenge, as the area of the island covered many different levels of ground. Keeping the soil in place on the islands proved to be an additional challenge, but Dean Rural Services devised a method illustrated in the pictures below to counteract this issue.

Construction of the islands

Almost completed

rendering of the planters

filling the island with soil to provide a substrate for the roots

The hessian has now been covered in soil to create a substrate for the plants

The original soil from the pond was ideal to create a sticky surface for the turf to be laid onto

There was already an existing wildflower meadow at the far end of the pond where an abundance of snake’s head fritillary and other species were already established.  David Plunton from Dean Rural Services decided to extend the meadow right down to the water’s edge, using our Wildflower Turf. Additionally he wanted to carry the wildflower meadow theme along both banks, also using it to top off an island, which was to be created within the pond. Having gone with our system previously David was keen to use our Wildflower Turf so that he could be confident that the meadow would be in flower for the coming Spring and Summer.
Preparation for the turf

Wildflower Turf is now being laid to surround the pond edge

Completed pond with meadow

The pond and meadow provide a perfect wildlife habitat and has major aesthetic qualities

Even before the pond had been filled with water, a moorhen had started taking nesting material into the clump of rushes that had been planted on the island! This highlights the need for naturalised or wild areas to be constructed within a garden scheme and how beneficial to wildlife it will be.