How to build a frog pond

Ensure you've selected a space away from existing larger trees to avoid contamination from leaves falling in the pond as well as to avoid hitting roots. Avoid areas where pesticides may be used as this can also contaminate the frog pond. These chemicals can deplete their food source and may be harmful to the frog population. Frogs can be noisy so be aware of your neighbours when choosing a location for your frog pond.

Ensure that the prefabricated frog pond mould make is strong and will not easily be punctured by rocks or other debris. It should have varying depths of both shallow and deeper areas. This will allow your frogs to manoeuvre around the pond according to their needs for water depth and temperature. Make sure you rinse the container before you install it to get rid of any harmful chemicals.

Dig a hole to fit your container. The top of the container should be level with the surrounding ground. Back fill any edges to close any gaps next to the container so that it is snug and consider what will happen in the case of heavy rain. For example, an overflow area below the pond height to catch a surplus of water may be required.

Line the bottom of your pond with washed sand or gravel. Ensure that neither have been treated chemically.

Building a frog pond is just as much as about the environment around the pond as the pond itself. It's important to ensure the walls of your pond are not too steep or slippery, as some frogs can get stuck in the water and drown. Use pebbles and larger rocks on the base and around the sides of your pond to provide a surface that the frogs can grip when exiting the pond. 

Tip: think about how a frog would enter and exit the pond by submerging some rocks and logs at the bottom of your pond. This will also encourage algal growth, which provides food and shelter for tadpoles.

Add in your native plants and let them settle in for at least a week. Reeds and sedges are ideal for the shallows of your pond. These plants keep the water clean and provide shelter for frogs and food for tadpoles. Create a wet area around the pond that will not dry out quickly by including logs, rocks, mulch and other native plants of various types that will provide shelter and shade.

If you're using tap or tank water to fill the pond, let it sit in the sun for approximately five days for chlorine and any other harmful substances to dissipate. A chlorine neutraliser can also be used in tap water. This process should be adhered to every time water is added to the pond.

The use of aquatic plants will act as a natural filter to keep your pond water clear. However, if you still wish to use a pond pump, it should be covered by mesh to protect any tadpoles from being harmed. 

As with any activity around water, there are some risks involved. Make sure access to the pond is controlled by using fencing or covering the pond with rigid mesh.

When selecting your mesh panelling check that your mesh squares are 100mm x 100mm to ensure the frogs can get in and out of your pond easily as well as to prevent children from falling in. You should also check the local council requirements for water risk management for children.

After this is complete, it's time to wait for the frogs to hop along! 

Remember to maintain the frog pond. Top up the pond with water if required and remove excess leaves and other dead plant material. Aquatic plants should be thinned out to ensure they do not cover more than a quarter of the pond surface.