Removing a big pond

AnniD · 2 January

My personal instinct would be to turn it into a bog garden. There are several articles online about how to do this, here is one example.
https://www.wildlifegardener.co.uk/gareth-evans-12.html

thevictorian · 2 January

I think it's going to be hard to do anything with it if that is how much water it holds naturally. It may dip in the summer but you seem to still have a pond and planting anything over the top will be tricky unless you use plants that love wet feet.
I don't know if you could dig a hole anywhere on the property and it would hold water but if it doesn't it would suggest you needed to break up the bottom more to allow the water to percolate down.

SurreyPM27968 · 2 January

The pond is now filled with crushed concrete which itself is free draining. The reason there is water now is that water has filled the gaps between the concrete. The concrete is about a foot below the surrounding land. The plan is to add a further 8 inches of gravel to raise the ground above the water line. Theoretically, this would be above the maximum water table, so I’m hoping that the soil above this wouldn’t become a soggy mess in winter as the soakaway beneath is can only hold a fraction of the water is previously did (water can only sit in the gaps between concrete/gravel).

Fairygirl · 3 January

I think the success, or otherwise, of a lawn there will also depend on how you use it. Small children aren't too bad, but larger ones with footballs etc, are a different matter!
I hope you can get a good result. The bit of grass at the bottom of the pic [next to the fence] also looks pretty boggy, which is inevitable, as the soil simply draws up surrounding moisture.
It's hard for any of us to predict the outcome though. If it was mine, I'd rather plant it up [shrubs mainly] and have some access paths, but you have to go with what feels right for your situation and needs. Good luck with it

Removing a big pond

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