Watch dragonflies winging it, frogs and toads making a splash, newts being newt-iful and other birds and mammals hanging out for a drink. A pond is always a good idea, from mini ponds to community ponds.

Stephanie in Westbury-on-Trym dug a pond on a rainy April in 2014, with the help of friends and neighbours. They used a garden hose to plan the outline and included a shallow area. Within 2 weeks, newts had moved in before they had added any pond plants, which made Stephanie very happy. Native pond plants were then purchased and it took a year for the pond to properly establish.

Stephanie said: “We are all aware of climate change, but it seemed too big a problem to change myself. I was able to make wildlife adjustments to my small garden and saw the benefits quickly.”

Q: Are mini ponds any good?
Yes! Your outdoor space will benefit from a pond of any size - a washing up bowl, an old sink or a large plant pot would do the trick. Jean in Warmley used an old sink to transform her garden, which is great as you don’t need a pond liner as it is already water tight. She added rocks to the side of the sink to allow creatures to climb in and out and used rain water to fill it.

Q: How can I protect my pond from children or pets?
A hedgerow can be planted around the pond to form a natural barrier from pets or children. You could also create a dead hedge, which can limit or prevent access points.

Q: How do I combat blanket weed? It wants to take over!
Barely straw - leave it for six months then remove when turns black, using 10g per square metre. Take it out then add oxygenating plants.

Q: Can my pond be in the shade or under a tree?
Make sure that the whole pond isn't completely shaded. You want some sunny parts and some shade areas. Don't locate ponds directly under trees - you might need to prune the branches if they're blocking out light. Also leaves that fall from the tree will add unwanted nutrients and material to the pond.

Q: Which pond plants are recommended?
Shaun from the wildflower nursery at Grow Wilder recommends marsh marigold, purple loosestrife and water mint. Plus taller vegetation next to a pond is great for wildlife to rest and hide in, such as oxeye daisy, ragged robin, purple loose strife and field scabious. Logs are also great for providing shelter next to a pond. Check out more at the wildflower nursery’s pond and bog garden section!

Q: Why shouldn’t I add fish to my pond?
It’s best not to add fish to a wildlife pond, as they can pollute the water and eat the other plant and animals.

Q: What can I do to maintain my pond in spring?
Adding lavender or barley straw to your pond in spring can help keep it free of algae and blanketweed. Remove the straw at the end of the season to avoid it rotting.

Now is a great time of year to see new life springing into action, with frogspawn, toadspawn, newts, insects and birds!