Wildlife pond

[Laurasanford111]

Hi all

I am in process of making a small wildlife pond from an old planter, I have a toddler so can't be a big pond, plus it's gated off but he loves wildlife, I had a pond growing up, great memories. I have lots of pebbles etc I got for free, some logs, and a few plants for the outside to get going, want it all as budget friendly as possible, the only thing I have bought is a little solar fountain and will need a few bricks.

Is there anything I need to know or tips as a beginner creating a little pond? I'm going to put a log inside it with bricks on the outside so creatures can get out of they fall in. What oxygenating pond plants would you recommend? My local garden centres didn't have much to chose from and so expensive I'm wondering if I can find a little online shop that sells them, any recommendations welcome!

Thanks

my only tip is to add a bucket of water from an established pond to 'seed' yours with a load of microbes. If you are filling it from a tap, leave it at least a week before you do this.

I'm not on Facebook but if you are I wonder if there's a neighbourhood group where you could source some freebie pond plants especially if you have plants you could exchange.

Chuck in a few bags of waitrose watercress. They are great oxegenators and will grow beautiful white flowers.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/ponds/wildlife-ponds