As warmer days arrive over Wrexham, a small fish pond makes a perfect garden addition. It creates a peaceful oasis for dragonflies, frogs and birds.
Why a Pond in Wrexham?
A mini pond is ideal for compact plots and leafy suburbs. It can transform a lawn or patio corner into a thriving aquatic haven. Consequently, it adds tranquillity and boosts biodiversity in even the smallest of gardens. Safety is essential, though. Slope the edges gently or use low barriers around young children or pets. Net the pond too, to protect fish from herons and cats.
Planning Your Small Pond
Pick a spot with partial sun, around four to six hours a day, so plants thrive without excess algae. Also, avoid large trees and run-off nearby. Aim for one to two metres across and at least 60cm deep. Choose either a pre-formed plastic pond or a flexible butyl rubber liner. Both are stocked at Waterways Garden Centre on Holt Road.
Mark the outline with a hose, then dig shelves for plants at different depths. Keep the base level throughout. Lay the underlay, fit the liner, then fill slowly. Edge with stone, gravel or turf so the pond blends naturally into its surroundings. If DIY is not for you, Perfect Ponds and Mountain Aquatics both offer local support.
Essential Kit, Planting and Fish
A small pump and filter keep water circulating and clear, while a UV clarifier helps prevent green water. Waterways and Maidenhead Aquatics at Dobbies Garden Centre, Gledrid, stock pumps and accessories. Oxygenators such as hornwort keep the water healthy. Meanwhile, waterlilies and floaters provide shade and reduce algae, so aim for 50 to 70 per cent plant coverage.
Let the pond settle for a couple of weeks before adding hardy cold-water fish such as goldfish or shubunkins, starting with four to six fish. Acclimatise carefully and feed sparingly. Top up with rainwater or dechlorinated tap water, remove debris, and net against autumn leaves. A small fish pond brings colour, calm and cherished pets to any garden, so why not get started this summer?
Collect your supplies locally where possible, then visit Bellis Brothers in Holt for extra plants or garden seating to complete the space. Then, once established, a well-planted pond needs surprisingly little ongoing maintenance. Regular checks on water quality and the occasional top-up are usually enough to keep things thriving.
A Genuine Focal Point
Wildlife tends to find a new pond remarkably quickly. Dragonflies, frogs and visiting birds often arrive within weeks of a pond being finished, drawn by the fresh water and shelter it provides. For families, watching that wildlife appear can become one of the most rewarding parts of the whole project, turning a simple garden feature into a genuine focal point for the summer.
We hope you enjoyed reading “Splash into Summer: Creating a Small Fish Pond”. Click here for more articles about Pets.
Author: Karen Boyce for Love Wrexham Magazine
Karen Boyce is the founder of Beastly Thoughts Professional Dog Services (BTPDS), established in 2007. As the largest independent dog training facility in Wales, BTPDS specialises in puppy training and managing reactive dogs, while also offering a wide range of obedience classes, lectures, webinars, and online training hubs and communities. In 2019, Karen was honoured as the Animal Star Awards Dog Trainer/Behaviourist of the Year. In 2025, BTPDS surpassed the milestone of training 2,000 puppies and was named the Overall Winner in the Best of North Wales Business Awards, in addition to being recognised as the Best Pet Services Business in North Wales. Contact Details: - Phone: 07970 488 395 - Email: [email protected] - Website: www.beastlythoughts.co.uk
