We have a large pond, full of plants, but only rarely see frogs. We do see them in the shady parts of the garden though. I think they just use the pond occasionally.
Last year there was a lot of frogspawn, and a profusion of tadpoles. They seem to have been eaten by the fish. How can we protect them? Do we have to take the frogspawn out of the pond and keep it in a large tub? Or are there ways of cordoning off the fish?
To be honest fish and a wildlife pond don't really mix. I had a fish pond at a previous house and it used to attract wildlife but don't think many of the tadpoles survived. At this house I've not put any fish in the pond and after just one year I have loads of frogs and spawn. I did dig the pond next to a bit of a wildlife area where there is ivy, log pile and home made bug habitat so perhaps that why the frogs took to the pond quite quickly.
I dont know if any survived last year. But i read some where ,newts play a part in their survival.Ive loads of spawn this year. Surely some will make it to frogs!
I think you might have an access problem. Looks like it would be very tricky for tiny froglets or newts to get out. The staircase would usually be under water, so it might be to hard for them to climb the steep shiny plastic. Is it usually fuller than that? It looks like it could have a few more inches of water in which would bring the water level up to the less steep steps? Failing that maybe try to make the steps easier for frogs to grip, some hessian over them, or a fairly flat log over them that frogs would be able to climb onto?
Yes, the water level needs to be up with the top of the liner so the liner is hidden from the sun (?), to prevent the material becoming brittle and also to allow amphibians and creatures (hedgehogs) to be able to climb from water to edging stones. We have a small branch floating on the surface of the water so hedgehogs and other creatures can climb on it and get out of the pond. A few more plants would be good and if the pond has shelves put some marginal plants in baskets and stand them on the shelves - some deep water baskets with lilies (perhaps one or two) would make the pond more interesting and give the pond creatures some cover as the leaves grow. Your local GC or pond centre should be able to advise you Gareth. Apart from that it looks great - lovely shape and brilliant landscaping - I love the stone work.
Yes, the water level needs to be up with the top of the liner so the liner is hidden from the sun (?), to prevent the material becoming brittle and also to allow amphibians and creatures (hedgehogs) to be able to climb from water to edging stones. We have a small branch floating on the surface of the water so hedgehogs and other creatures can climb on it and get out of the pond. A few more plants would be good and if the pond has shelves put some marginal plants in baskets and stand them on the shelves - some deep water baskets with lilies (perhaps one or two) would make the pond more interesting and give the pond creatures some cover as the leaves grow. Your local GC or pond centre should be able to advise you Gareth. Apart from that it looks great - lovely shape and brilliant landscaping - I love the stone work.
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Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Last year there was a lot of frogspawn, and a profusion of tadpoles. They seem to have been eaten by the fish. How can we protect them? Do we have to take the frogspawn out of the pond and keep it in a large tub? Or are there ways of cordoning off the fish?
Failing that maybe try to make the steps easier for frogs to grip, some hessian over them, or a fairly flat log over them that frogs would be able to climb onto?