A pond for the kids

A pond is a brilliant way to get your kids excited about the garden! They'll love the water and the wildlife it attracts, as long as it's properly planned, with safety being the key factor. It will be a great addition to your garden!

Things to consider and ensuring your children's safety

Invest in a purpose made guard to be fitted over the pond. The rigid mesh needs to be strong enough to support the weight of your child without bending. It should be suspended a few inches above the surface fixed to a mounting on the dry land surrounding the pond. It may be worth getting it fitted by and expert and make sure you check it regularly for any damage. It will not deter wildlife or hinder the growth of plants but will give you peace of mind for your child�s safety. In addition, it should help protect any fish you have in the pond from unwelcome visitors like herons looking for a fish supper.

Fencing the perimeter of your pond is another option but not quite as effective as the mesh guard.

Solar power pumps and lights are an easier and safer alternative to fiddling about with your electricity supply. Kits with protected cables that plug straight into the socket are also available, but be sure to check for a CE-mark. If you have any doubts then don't hesitate to get a professional electrician in to do the job for you.

Ensure the sides of your pond aren't too steep or likely to get too muddy.

Try to create an open space in the water for the area where your children are likely to do most of their wildlife spotting.

Plants around your pond not only look good but also carry out the necessary roles of cleaning and oxygenating the water, creating food for the wildlife.

Get your kids involved when building the pond and adding the finishing touches like planting.

So when you've taken all the safety into consideration it'll be a fun and educational enhancement for your garden.