Pond liner - solid or diy

[HarryVanderspeigle]

Adding a small pond to the garden this year. Went to the garden centre today amd they had solid liners at 60 and 125l, but nothing in between. They also seemed quite deep and I believe it is better to have a shallow spot in case animals fall in. Would like a few plants, no fish.

Would I be better off trying to find an 80-100l solid liner online, or create my own with a sheet of liner? I think the sheets have put me.off so far because I feel they would need holding down at the edges somehow. But totally new to this, so no idea!

We made a fairly large wildlife pond using a liner. That way you can make the shape and depth you want. We made it very shallow at one end with a gentle beach, so any thing that falls in can get out. There. Are ledges round the edge with plants on, and some raised stones that slope into the water, so there are plenty areas for the birds to bathe. The little water beetles like to bask in the shallow water on the warmth of the stones.
you have to put stones or slabs around the edge to cover the liner and hold it down. But you'd want to disguise the edge of a pre pulled liner too.
There's a guy on YouTube who does videos on Creating a Wildlife pond.

We chose a solid liner as I have dogs whose big claws may puncture a soft liner. Plus my mum & Dad were always having to replace their soft liner. It was super easy to put in. Had it in just under a year now and it’s done so well along with the plants I put in. Got pond skaters, water boatmen, pond snails and even saw a newt this week. Great watching the birds drinking out of it too. I have a ramp in case hedgehogs fall in and the blackbird sits on the ramp and splashes around.

I’ve planted around it although not finished and that’s this years job. But highly recommend the solid liner. We used the mayfly 500. Here’s some photos from last year. Cat added for scale! It’s more settled into the landscape & planted up since the photo. Comes with shallow shelve areas.

@Cactusmumma that's a great pond! Love the cat for scale. We only have guinea pigs, so not worrying about them making holes. I suppose foxes could though.

@FizzingAda I will check out youtube, thank you. Definitely looking for a smaller pond as we don't have a big garden.