How to build a miniature wildlife pond to suit any garden 

Mini ponds offer a quick, inexpensive means to create a water feature, even on a balcony. We get expert advice

Kya deLongchamps's pond after a bit of refreshing. Birds and hedgehogs can forage in the dry and moist areas around a pond like this, as well as using it for rehydration and bathing. Picture: Kya deLongchamps

Frances Gallagher of Rinn Bearna Aquatics is a wise wild-water keeper. She had told me in May of 2020, that it would take probably two years to establish a small water body attractive to frogs. But no. I trudged down to my tiny wildlife pond in March, and took a flat equestrian dung fork to sieve out the debris from what my nose read as rancid, stinking water.

The marginal flora was doing well, rich in bluebells, violets and various self-seeding native plants. Still, with no sign of amphibians, I folded to horticultural expectations instead of giving nature its patient due.