Making a wildlife pond with an old bath..?

Discussion in 'Water Gardening' started by Hetty, Jul 16, 2014.

  1. Hetty

    Hetty Gardener

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    As the title says, we would like to make a wildlife pond with an old bath if we could. We have a corner of ground that isn't used for anything next to the greenhouse, and we would definitely like to make a pond of some kind there. Since we will have access to a free old bath soon, it seemed (at the time!) sensible to think about using that rather than going out and buying something (funds are not huge). The plan was to dig out the ground and put the bath in (appropriately stopped up) not quite level with the ground, but well sunk in., and then plant around the bath with widlflowers, grasses etc and leave it to go a bit wild - in the hope of attracting the frogs etc that we know are nearby (neighbour found a toad in her very small water feature the other day). I've done a bit of reading and I know there are problems that come with using a bath because the sides are so steep, and I know too the pond will need to be made very child safe (some kind of wire mesh over the top?). Do you have any thoughts/advice/warnings for us? all advice gratefully received, including telling us it is a no go, thank you!

    This is the area we hope to put the bath in (it's bigger than it looks, we have measured and it does fit)

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Jungle Jane

    Jungle Jane Middle Class Twit Of The Year 2005

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    I think its a great idea. Just remember to seal the plug and overflow properly.

    Also you could hook up the taps to a pump and make them into a water feature.
     
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    • Loofah

      Loofah Admin Staff Member

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      Water features in a nature pond aren't recommended although I do like the idea alot!

      How will the frogs get in and out?
       
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      • Hetty

        Hetty Gardener

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        We will definitely be keeping the taps on for sure, just for the way they look (since we also have a planted up sink and toilet it seems appropriate!) but not sure about running water. Will need to somehow make different levels with rocks etc so the frogs can get in and out, hoping for some advice with that! Thank you both!
         
      • Jungle Jane

        Jungle Jane Middle Class Twit Of The Year 2005

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        Agreed although op never really mentioned it would be a wildlife pond.
         
      • Loofah

        Loofah Admin Staff Member

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      • ARMANDII

        ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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        I think it's a great idea and should work with a little thought, care by keeping an eye on it.

        I not sure I agree, Loofah, as I have a small waterfall in my wildlife pond and have had since 93'. It serves two purposes, [a] to oxygenate the water and soothes my Soul when I'm sitting by it and hearing the sound of tinkling water...very restful. My fish, frogs, Newts and Birds seem unaffected by it so I wouldn't disregard having a small pump and waterfall of some kind.

        Sounds exactly what you should do!! The depth of the bath is ideal and will help keep the water cool although if it gets a lot of Sun then you might get problems. You will need to put in oxygenating plants, some marginal plants at the sides.

        A plastic box set on it's side [it's top a couple of inches under the water] with a brick on the inside at the bottom should work as a shelf for wildlife to get out of the pond. Just cover the top with stones and large gravel to disguise it.:coffee::snork:
         
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