The RSPCA asks gardeners to reconsider filling in established ponds. Garden ponds are increasingly important as mini nature reserves for amphibians and other animals since, across the country, many ponds have either been filled in, allowed to silt up or become polluted.
A well-established pond with different types of native plant and water depths will have been offering a home and drinking water to a range of wildlife, such as birds, frogs and toads for some time.
If you have to fill in your pond or it is about to be unavoidably destroyed, then we suggest you contact your local wildlife trust. They may be able to give advice about other possible locations to which the wildlife in your pond could be legally moved. However, moving animals to another location may also risk the moving of unwanted predatory fish, invasive plants, parasites or disease. There is also the risk of moving animals to an area that is unsuitable for them.
One reason that people may fill in a garden pond is to ensure that the area is safe for children. However, there is a range of safety products now available to make ponds secure for young children, such as a pond safety grid instead of netting. A pond grid is also animal-friendly as it reduces the chance of wildlife, such as hedgehogs and grass snakes, becoming trapped in netting or fencing.
Froglife and Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) also have FAQs on this topic.
Care also needs to be taken when clearing out any excess plants, dead leaves or mud from a pond. The RSPCA encourages the public not to interfere with a pond between February and October to reduce the risk of disturbing any breeding or young animals. The best time to clear out a pond is before the harsh frosts in the early autumn or during late winter when the weather is milder. This avoids exposing hibernating animals at the bottom of the pond to the extreme cold.
Caution:- Handling of any animal either domestic, wild, dead or alive may be potentially hazardous. Obvious dangers include bites, scratches and general hygiene issues. Common sense should be applied in all instances and, if unsure, seek additional advice or assistance. Personal hygiene should be taken into consideration after handling any animal, whether it’s domestic, wild, dead or alive.
Other useful information:
Breeding season for British frogs and newts
Caring for amphibians and reptiles as non-domestic pets