Creating a Pond

Citizen garden

Introduction

Establishing a pond in your garden is a good way to naturally attract dragonflies and toads, both of which play an important role in controlling the population of snails and slugs. Beyond pest control, a pond helps foster a diverse range of wildlife, contributing to the overall health and balance of your garden ecosystem. Additionally, it provides a tranquil space where people can rest or stay in a serene environment.

Activity Topic

Biodiversity

Organisation

APS Orti Sociali Arvalia

Legal Status

Association

Year of Establishment

2020

Location

Via Paláia, 91, 00149 Rome RM, Italy

Orti Sociali Arvalia is a community garden project located in Rome that promotes sustainable agriculture and community involvement. It offers locals the opportunity to grow their own produce, while engaging in workshops on environmental sustainability, beekeeping, and organic farming. The garden also fosters a sense of community through shared workdays, social events, and collective meals. It aims to strengthen social bonds, promote ecological awareness, and provide a space for hands-on learning.

Activity Description

Aims and Outcomes

The primary goals of this practice are to promote biodiversity and provide a welcoming environment for protected species, particularly amphibians. It also aims to enhance the ecological balance of the garden, creating a harmonious space that supports a variety of life. Additionally, the existence of a pond helps having a pleasant and attractive area within the garden, enriching its overall aesthetic.

Implementation Steps

To create a pond in a community garden, first define its purpose, whether for conservation, education, ornamentation, or as a relaxing space. Choose a suitable location, ideally in a lower area, avoiding slopes and nearby trees, and ensuring access to water. Keep in mind sunlight exposure and the possibility of upstream pollution.

Plan: Decide on shape, depth, and plant placement. Consider a variety of slopes for different plant zones and waterproofing requirements.
Materials: Gather necessary tools and materials, including shovels, gloves, tarpaulin, sand, mesh, geotextile, and plants (native and oxygenating species).

Start by digging the pond and checking the level of the banks with a water level. Lay protective mesh, then a sand layer (5-10 cm) for the tarpaulin. Install the tarpaulin smoothly, then fill with water, ideally rainwater.

Planting: Introduce native plants and oxygenating plants, either weighted with stones or left to grow naturally.
Avoid Animals: Do not introduce animals, especially protected species. Wildlife will come naturally when the environment is ready.

Finally, enjoy the pond and observe its evolution. Maintain it by removing sediment every couple of years or let nature take its course, observing how the ecosystem develops.

Advantages and Benefits

Having a pond offers a range of benefits. It supports biodiversity by attracting wildlife such as birds, insects, and amphibians, enriching the overall ecosystem. Ponds also add beauty to your garden, creating a peaceful focal point with the calming sounds of water. They can serve as an educational tool, helping gardeners understand water ecosystems and plant growth.

Ponds help regulate temperature by cooling the area in summer, creating a more stable environment for plants and animals. They also promote water conservation, as rainwater can be collected to fill the pond, reducing reliance on tap water. Additionally, ponds naturally filter and improve water quality, enhancing the health of your garden.

The plants and invertebrates in the pond help control pests like mosquitoes, keeping their population in check. Ponds also provide a calming space, reducing stress and encouraging relaxation. Furthermore, a well-designed pond can boost property value by making the garden more visually appealing.

Required Competences and Skills

Creating a pond in a garden requires a mix of practical skills and knowledge. It is important to have design skills to determine the pond’s shape, size, and placement, ensuring it fits the goals that were discussed. Understanding the land’s slope, drainage, and water flow is important for proper planning. People will need to know how to use tools like shovels, spades, and water for excavation and shaping. Knowledge of waterproofing techniques, such as using tarpaulin or concrete, is necessary to prevent leaks. It is also important to have plants, especially native species and oxygenating plants, is important for selecting the right vegetation to support a healthy ecosystem. A basic understanding of ecology helps in creating a balanced habitat for wildlife. Regular maintenance, like cleaning out sediment and ensuring the pond’s integrity, is crucial for long-term success. Patience is also important as the pond will evolve naturally over time, and observing its development is part of the process.

Evaluation

To assess the effectiveness of your pond, maintain a journal with consistent observations and take photos from fixed locations to monitor changes. Depending on your goals, various tools can be utilized. For biodiversity or conservation, track wildlife, plant growth, and water quality. Be vigilant for invasive species or imbalances. For educational purposes, evaluate how the pond engages people and facilitates learning. If the goal is aesthetic or relaxation, assess its impact on the garden’s appearance and ambiance. The tools you use should align with your objectives, enabling you to track progress and make enhancements.

Conclusions

Creating a pond in a community garden offers both practical and ecological benefits, enhancing the space for wildlife, plants, and people. By carefully planning its design, choosing the right location, and using appropriate materials, you can create a sustainable and living pond. It is also important to align the pond’s purpose with the methods used, whether it’s for conservation, education, or simply for aesthetics and relaxation. Ongoing observation, through a diary and regular photos, helps track the pond’s progress and identify any necessary adjustments. Monitoring the ecosystem’s health and the pond’s impact on the surrounding environment ensures its long-term success. Whether it is to attract biodiversity or to create a peaceful retreat, the pond will evolve naturally over time.

Project Number: 2023-1-FR01-KA220-ADU-000153638

The objective of the Gardeniser Academy project is to support the development of community gardens in Europe by offering online training contents tailored to the needs and expectations of gardeners all over Europe.

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

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