The Ecology of a Natural Pool: A Chemical-Free Wildlife Haven

Design and Zones of a Natural Pool

Our pools feature two distinct zones. The 'swim zone' is plant-free, ensuring a clear area for swimming, while the 'regeneration zone' is separated by submerged internal walls. This zone has sloped sides with varying water depths and is covered with a layer of specialist clay. We then plant it with a range of aquatic and marginal plants, mimicking a natural wildlife pond. This diverse planting creates different heights and habitats, supporting a wide variety of wildlife.

Quick Arrival of Wildlife

Wildlife starts to appear almost immediately after the pool is filled and the regeneration zone is planted. Diving beetles, pond skaters, and dragonflies are often the first to arrive, sometimes even while the pool is still under construction! Over time, our pools become thriving ecosystems. Within just a couple of years, you’ll find dragonfly, damselfly, caddisfly, and beetle larvae, along with pond snails, backswimmers, and pond skaters.

The Beauty of Emergent Vegetation

The emergent and marginal plants rising above the water surface provide perfect resting places for adult dragonflies and damselflies. These fascinating creatures dart and flit close to the water, creating a mesmerizing sight as you swim. Flowering plants like ragged robin and water mint attract bees and hoverflies, adding even more life to the pond edges.

Amphibian Life

Amphibians, such as smooth newts, common toads, and common frogs, are drawn to water in the spring to breed. At our Kilham swimming pond, these species found their new home within 18 months of construction, resulting in numerous clumps of spawn and eggs. This leads to hundreds of tadpoles and juvenile newts, primarily sticking to the regeneration zone where they find cover and safety among the plants.

A Safe Haven for Birds and Small Mammals

The shallow edges of our pools provide a safe drinking source for birds, hedgehogs, and other small mammals. Birds that forage on invertebrates, like swallows and swifts, swoop over the water during the day, while Daubenton’s bats, which specialize in feeding over water, come out after dark. We’ve recorded sightings of these bats at many of our pools.

Sharing the Joy of Wildlife

We love hearing from our clients about the wildlife they spot at their pools, from occasional kingfishers to the first arriving frogs. These sightings reassure us that our pools are thriving. As the pools mature, the range of species increases, and we continuously look for ways to enhance their potential for wildlife. When we also landscape our clients' gardens, the surrounding planting complements the pool, creating even more opportunities for wildlife to flourish.

Experience the magic of a natural pool and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity it brings to your home. Dive into a world where nature and relaxation meet, and watch as your pool becomes a bustling ecosystem, teeming with life.

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