In February 2023 we started digging out our wildlife pond which is situated in our wild area at the top of the orchard. It is 600mm deep in the middle with a shallow shelf round the edge and a pebble beach to allow access to wildlife. The edges will be allowed to naturalise and we hope that in time the pond liner will be covered by vegetation. Around the pond is some rustic seating which was located elsewhere in the garden when we purchased the property. Wild flowers have beem planted around the pond and a large bug hotel built using pallets is also in this area. Existing wild plants such as stinging nettles will be allowed to grow albeit with some management around the seating areas! The area is partly under a mature oak and provides a relaxing seating area where we can watch the pond life that is already beginning to establish itself. We have already spotted Great Diving Beatle larvae.
