What Is The Best Water Feature For Wildlife?

Using water features in your garden to engage wildlife and nature.

Gardens are a great way to get closer to nature and engage with wildlife, and water features can add an extra dimension to your outdoor space. Water features and exciting new water-themed installations are another way to engage with wildlife animals or introduce new plant life. From ponds to fountains, there are plenty of options for creating a fabulous and welcoming water feature in your garden that is sure to attract birds, bugs and other wild animals. Here we’ll look at some of the best water features for wildlife and how to make sure they’re a suitable addition to your garden. 

Ponds/Bog Gardens

Ponds or bog gardens are one of the most popular choices when it comes to water features for wildlife. These natural habitats provide a safe and healthy environment for aquatic life and can support a wide variety of creatures such as frogs, toads, dragonflies, newts and water beetles. They can be easily created with a liner and some rocks and pebbles, and once established can provide a haven for wildlife. Ensure you have enough shallow areas in the pond and add some marginal or aquatic plants to give the wildlife somewhere to hide, and don’t forget to add aerators or bubblers to keep oxygen levels high.

Bubble fountains or birdbaths 

Bubble fountains or birdbath water features can add a unique and attractive focal point to your garden. They can be placed anywhere where there’s good sunlight, and the gentle bubbling noise will attract birds and other insects. Some birdbaths have built-in drippers that can be used to create a continuous stream of water, and the slow movement of the water will prevent it from becoming stagnant. Stagnant water is something you must strive to avoid with every water feature or pond installation. Stagnant water can make for a prime breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, or other biofilms. It can result in a broad range of pathogens and dangerous diseases, such as Legionella, which are ultimately bad for the surrounding wildlife and yourself. Lastly, we recommend decorating the area around the chosen feature with stones or pebbles to provide extra food and shelter for the wildlife.

Streams and riverbanks

If you have a larger garden, you may want to create a stream or riverbank feature that provides a more natural-looking habitat for birds, insects and amphibians. This type of water feature can be quite complex and time-consuming to build, but the results can be stunning. Start by deciding how you want the water to flow and what type of landscape you want to create. You can then choose the plants and materials to complete the look. Ensure the banks of the stream are shallow, as this encourages wildlife, and again add aeration if necessary. 

Fountains

Fountains are a great way to add movement and sound to your garden. They can be a fine display piece or simply an inviting splash of life. Fountains come in all shapes and sizes, so there should be an option to fit into any garden space. What’s more, they’re attractive to birds who like to congregate on the fountain’s rim and take a sip of the water. Fountains can be surrounded by plants that provide nectar for bees and other pollinators. Ensure the water is changed regularly to avoid attracting mosquitoes.

Whichever water feature you choose for your garden, making it a haven for wildlife is sure to bring hours of enjoyment as you watch the birds and other creatures play. Remember to keep the water feature clean and well-maintained, and you’ll create a safe haven for wildlife to thrive.