Garden and community ponds offer both people and wildlife a wide range of benefits that go far beyond the tranquil appearance of their still waters. These often small bodies of water serve as vital ecosystems, supporting a rich diversity of plants, animals, and microorganisms. But as well as that, they have aesthetic and recreational value too, providing spaces for relaxation and reflection, enabling us to reap their emotional benefits. 

Autumn is a crucial time for pond maintenance, as it prepares the pond for the colder months and ensures a healthy start in spring. During this season, falling leaves and decaying plant matter can accumulate in the water, leading to excess nutrients that fuel algae growth and reduce oxygen levels. Cleaning out debris, trimming back overgrown vegetation, and checking pond equipment like pumps and filters help maintain water quality and prevent imbalances. It's also the ideal time to remove any sludge build-up before winter. Your actions this Autumn, will help you to protect the ecosystem and keep the pond thriving year-round for you to enjoy too.

Here are some simple ways to keep your pond in tip-top condition:

• Remove fading leaves and plant stems in and around the pond to minimise decaying plant matter entering the pond. If dead or fallen leaves have entered your pond, remove them before they decompose in the water. Leave them to the side of the pond though so that any hidden smaller creatures can return to the pond later on. By removing excess debris, you’ll reduce the build-up of sludge, maintain water quality, and minimize the release of nutrients into the water, which could result in algae blooms. You’ll also keep your pond looking and smelling more attractive too!
• Look to keep half of the surface of your pond clear and cut back vigorously growing pond plants, as well as overhanging branches from other garden plants.
• If your pond is very silted up, you might want to consider a more through clean to remove the offending matter and introduce fresh water – collected rainwater is the best option. It’s worth bearing in mind though that ponds rarely need a complete clean out - doing so can upset the natural balance of the pond and be a deterrent to wildlife so don’t be too over- zealous!
• Check pond pumps are working to ensure the water is well oxygenated. This will benefit all the aquatic life that the pond supports.

By being proactive with pond maintenance during the autumn, you’ll reduce the potential for issues, help the balance of the ecosystem and keep it looking attractive too.

Want to get started with a pond?

If you have yet to encounter the joys of your own pond, or want to encourage someone to get in on the act, have a look at our Pledge a Pond page and find out how you can contribute to nature’s recovery.

Or, if you’re ready to get started on building a pond (or perhaps want to build another one), check out our People and Wildlife Officer, Josh Kalm’s blog ‘Make A Wildlife Pond!’ – it’s full of practical advice and tips!