'Ideal spot' would be where the patio is! It will get the most sun and the least leaves. As that is not really an option, either where the bird bath is or between the bird bath and patio, if there were no other considerations. The main problem I see with that is maintaining the lawn, so in the end, it goes where Fairygirl suggested. You will though want to keep it clear of leaves in the Autumn as much as possible. Just check it is a spot that gets sun for most of the day before digging.
I would put it in the corner of lawn at the edge of the terrace, front right of photo. That would make it easy access in bad weather, if needed, and also make lawn maintenance much easier. Also easy to observe the wildlife.
Make sure you have different depths - min 60cms at the deepest part so it doesn't freeze solid in winter, shallow edge for marginal plants and to allow critters to exit before they drown. Hedgehogs can fall in and even frogs can't get out of vertical sides easily.
Good mix of plants for oxygenators, marginals and pond cover from water lily or similar and it will buzz and bubble with insects and amphibians.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
I thought of there too @Obelixx - we had a similar site in a previous garden. I felt the biggest drawback was that it would leave a very odd shaped lawn. That, of course, can be altered. Depends how fond @Paul165 is of his grass
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I think I'd do something like this (although you didn't say how big a pond or what shape, so I'm guessing on that front). Probably best not to leave awkward small areas of grass that would be fiddly to mow.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
Thanks guys, some great ideas - I think I like either of the three could work - centre, bottom left or top right (where bird house is stood). I'll try and make a decision soon...
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Make sure you have different depths - min 60cms at the deepest part so it doesn't freeze solid in winter, shallow edge for marginal plants and to allow critters to exit before they drown. Hedgehogs can fall in and even frogs can't get out of vertical sides easily.
Good mix of plants for oxygenators, marginals and pond cover from water lily or similar and it will buzz and bubble with insects and amphibians.
Depends how fond @Paul165 is of his grass
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...