New pond advice

[buckeejit]

Hello

I’m keen to get a pond in the back garden. This is it, we’re in Northern Ireland. Mostly for wildlife but may want fish in it so would like to have the option. Also want some waterfall/fountain/moving water action.

Is it better to find a professional to design & advise on filters etc or DIY? We’re basically totally pond ignorant! I’m thinking at least 6ft x 10ft, or should we get rid of the whole lawn & have a massive pond?!

Basically where do I start deciding on what’s best for us & what we can afford? Very many thanks 😁

They’re less effort to look after than lawns. You have so many possibilities! One big round pond, or a narrow bit in the centre with a bridge over? Go the whole hog and have a swimming pond? You’ll dig out a lot of soil - what will you do with it? Take it off site or use it to sculpt a mound (which could allow a cascading stream).

Fish ponds need a lot of filtration. A wildlife pond, well planted, may not need any.

Thanks - I like the idea of a mound for a waterfall. Would love a swimming pond but think it's a bit ambitious - garden is far from flat!

Will sketch out some options & try to suss out prices for the shortlist 😁