Hi everyone, thanks so much for all your advice! I was hesitant to use a pond liner as I want to limit the amount of plastic I use, but I suppose if something was used on the barrel itself, perhaps a liner would be better in the long run. I think I'll empty it, put in a pond liner and refill it with some fresh plants. I'll make sure to have ramps and platforms that are easier for frogs and other wildlife to access too. I won't be getting any fish, as I don't think it's big enough and also I don't really want any dying on me in case I do anything wrong! I also live in rented accommodation so am not allowed to dig the beds, but hopefully I can create a less steep ramp! Hopefully it works out with the new set up. Thanks again!
If you use tap water when you refill your barrel, allow the water to stand without any plants, etc in it for about 2 weeks to allow any chemicals to clear. You will find pond skaters etc will move in within a few days but they will be fine. Barrels are not good for fish because the water temperature gets too hot during sunny weather.
My 2 goldfish are perfectly healthy in my barrel pond. Maybe the little solar fountain helps to regulate the temperature although of course they are inside a smaller pot surrounded by soil so again that probably prevents overheating
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