In the case that you wish to attract wildlife into your backyard instead of just keeping Koi, this post is for you.

To the uninitiated a fish pond is simply that, a fish pond. Experienced pondkeepers, however, know that this is only the tip of the iceberg and many design the pond to attract wildlife, birds, mammals and frongs etc. A fish pond or probably more correctly a water garden in this case is home to may forms of natural wildlife.  An even bigger diversity of wildlife can be attracted by paying attention to the aesthetics and the design. Birds for example require shallow areas in which they can take a welcome bath or gain a much needed drink of water. Running water from a cascading stream will certainly create a haven for many of nature’s insects. This combined with a clean gravel bed will make a nice place for them to lay their eggs or build a home. In fact you will discover that the diversity of insects and other wildlife that a water garden correctly designed encourages is enormous; some prefer stony areas, others prefer shallow areas, whilst others take refuge in wooded areas.

Simple Things You Can Do To Encourage Nature To Your Fish Pond
Why not consider adding aquatic plants to your fish pond. Not only will this help to keep algae under control and add valuable oxygen to the pond it will also attract frogs and birds; especially if you include floating lilies and other plant species with wide floating leaves. The inclusion of submerged plant varieties encourages insects to breed and offers them a hiding place from predators.

A great way of not only adding effect to the flow of water in ponds that include a waterfall or stream is to place a large boulder in the centre. Not only will this add wonderful sound and character to the flow of water but it will also create a great perch for wild birds to rest on. You may even find the odd dragonfly using it as a landing pad.

Create a shallow area with a slight incline and place pebbles around the edge of the pool. This will help frogs and toads to gain easy entry and exit from the pool. A branch can be placed in the water and leaned against the edge. This also creates a natural looking way for frogs and toads to gain entry to your water garden and of course to safely get out again. The addition of marginal plants to the edges of the pond will also make it simpler for wildlife to climb in and out of the water.

Placing a tree stump over part of the pond creates a natural looking bridge. This will quickly become a favourite of birds and other large insects. A word of caution however! It can also make an excellent fishing spot for herons, king fisher and other fish eating bird species.
The addition of planting crates or planter baskets around the perimeter of the pond with pebbles or stones between pots looks great and yet again makes it easy for frogs and toads to get in and out. Flat slate inclined slightly makes a great bridge.