My wildlife pond was a bit of guess work & some research - but it works
really well. I'm not sure about adding soil as a couple of months of algae
growth should do the same job.

I dug to 3ft on the centre, 1ft deep ring around the centre & about 8"
margins. Once the liner was in, I finished the edges with turf rolled in
over the liner and to the 8" margin depth. A Lily, some oxygenations, duck
weed and circulation pump (no filter) a couple of goldfish & then left alone

Huge amounts of wildlife visits the pond largely, I believe because it's
left in peace - no chemicals, no wires, no fish food & plenty of shady water
coverage from the lily pads.

I had some probs with blanket weed, but two grass carp sorted that.

800 or so gallons & clear as spring water - may be I'm just lucky but I'd
definitely recommend the fill, stock & leave alone technique - let mother
nature sort the imbalances !!


"Broadback" wrote in message
...
Well I have dug my (UK) pond and will start putting the protective matting
above and below on Monday. As I will be putting soil and pebbles (large,
no stones here) in it, any advice on whether it is put in before or after
the water? Also we live in a hard water area so is it worth filling it
with rainwater (that will take quite a while even though I will divert it
from the roof house) or will tap water left for a couple of weeks be as
good?
Also any suggestions for British plants, both for the deep part and the
foot deep edges?
TIA
John