Watery WONDERS

The surface may look calm, but even the smallest pond is both a home and a haven for an amazing variety of flora and fauna

- JANE KEMP

Ponds are teeming with new life at this time of year, forming one of the richest freshwater habitats in nature. Their still water is oxygenated and filtered by aquatic plant life, which supports amphibians and insects too. Some creatures live there all year round, while others come to breed, feed or live part of their lives in water. Ponds also support the birds and mammals who drink and wash there.

Changes in farming methods have led to a 70% loss of naturally formed ponds, so it's all the more important that we cherish those in our gardens. Their value in urban life was recognised long ago: in Southwark, south London, a beautiful wildlife pond forms the heart of the Red Cross Garden, originally commissioned in 1887 by Octavia Hill. While in 2022, RHS Wisley created the Wildlife Garden, with two huge pools and a stunning array of aquatic planting.

Here's a snapshot of some of the incredible variety of creatures that call a pond home.

Interesting insects and invertebrates