Making a Pond - Shape and Dig

When you have chosen the site, mark out the shape of the pond with canes and string. Make the pond as big as space will allow. Next comes the hard work - digging! The edges of the pond should be very shallow, providing a habitat for wetland water plants and allowing animals to climb in and out of the water. The deepest part of the pond should be no less than 700 mm - this allows the pond-life to survive under the thickest sheet of ice in winter. The ideal shape for the hole is a gently sloping saucer. Dig at least 150 mm deeper all over than the depth you eventually want the pond to be. For example, if the deepest part in the middle is to be 700 mm, then dig down to 850 mm. Also dig the ground 150 mm for half a metre all round the edge of the pond (this is so you can anchor the overlap of the liner). Remember to shape the hole so it has gently sloping contours - this makes the liner easier to fit over the shape.