From Drainage Fix to Thriving Ecosystem: Our Allotment Pond’s Journey
Last July, thanks to funding from the Closing Loops Pots of Possibility Fund, we set out to tackle a long-standing drainage issue on our allotment site. What started as a practical fix has turned into something far more special, a natural pond that’s now buzzing with life and bringing real joy to our community.
In just over a year, this unlined, clay-based pond has gone from a muddy hole in the ground to a thriving habitat. It’s living proof that with a bit of vision, teamwork, and persistence, even a drainage problem can grow into a haven for wildlife.
The Build
When we began, our main aim was simply to get the site draining properly. Using the natural clay layer instead of a plastic liner, we shaped a pond that would work with the landscape rather than against it. French drains were installed to channel excess water from the plots into the pond, a solution that’s kept the ground workable, even after heavy rain.
The early days were messy, to say the least. The pond was little more than a muddy crater, and last summer’s endless rain put it to the test. But the clay held firm, and we could already see the potential for something more.
Nature Moves In
By this spring, everything changed. Dragonflies were skimming the surface, waterboatmen were busy rowing about, and the first tadpoles appeared — quickly followed by froglets. Birds, foxes, and even the occasional hedgehog started visiting for a drink. Watching the space come to life has been incredibly rewarding.
To give the wildlife a helping hand (and the tadpoles a bit of shade), we planted a mix of native pond and marginal species, funded by the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund and boosted by some generous plant donations as well as some canny spots on Facebook Marketplace. We hadn’t quite appreciated how many plants it takes to fill a medium-sized pond! These additions have created structure, shelter, and colour, not to mention a steady food source for pollinators and insects.
Weathering the Extremes
From last year’s downpours to this summer’s scorching heat, the pond has faced both extremes. The clay base has held up brilliantly, keeping enough water even through dry spells, while the French drains have significantly improved the drainage on the rest of the site.
It’s been a reminder that when you work with the landscape instead of against it, nature can handle a lot. The pond’s resilience has given us a real appreciation for how adaptable these ecosystems can be.
Making It Safe and Sustainable
Recently we’ve focused on making the area both safe and welcoming. We’ve added fencing made from recycled pallets along the front, giving it a rustic, eco-friendly look, and chicken wire down the side to mark the boundary. A homemade gate and an archway built from old doors now frame the entrance — the perfect mix of practical and characterful.
Looking ahead, we have exciting plans for next year. Imagine vibrant roses climbing over the archway, framing the pond beautifully, and cheerful sunflowers swaying in the afternoon sun, adding a burst of colour to the allotment.
These additions will not only enhance the pond’s aesthetic appeal but also create an even more inviting habitat for pollinators, complementing the crops and flowers grown across the site.
What’s Next: Growing the Space Even Further
Our pond may already be buzzing with life, but we’re far from finished. Over the coming months, we’re planning to add more planting and landscaping to make the whole area even more inviting — not just for wildlife, but for everyone who spends time on the site.
We’ll be expanding the planting around the pond with more native flowers, grasses, and pollinator-friendly species, creating a soft, natural border that blends into the rest of the allotment. The aim is to provide colour through the seasons and more food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
We’re also planning to build a large bug hotel, made from reclaimed materials, to give insects a safe place to overwinter. It’ll be a great educational feature too — perfect for showing visitors, families, and children how small actions can make a big difference for biodiversity.
Another exciting addition will be another small picnic and seating area, where people can pause, chat, or simply enjoy watching the pond life go about its day. With a few benches, planters, and perhaps a bit of shade, we hope it’ll become a peaceful gathering spot for plot-holders and visitors alike.
Longer term, we’re looking at further landscaping improvements, perhaps adding a few stepping-stone paths, a wildflower meadow strip, or low hedging to define the space. Each change will be made with sustainability in mind, using recycled materials wherever possible and keeping the natural look and feel that’s made the pond area so special.
Our goal is to make this corner of the allotment a real community space. It will be a mix of beauty, biodiversity, and belonging. This space will continue to evolve and inspire for years to come.
A True Community Project
What began as a simple drainage fix has become one of the most-loved corners of our site. The pond has brought people and wildlife together, showing what’s possible when a community works with nature and makes the most of what’s already there.
Using the clay beneath our feet, recycled materials, and plenty of enthusiasm, we’ve created something that’s both functional and beautiful — a small ecosystem that keeps growing and giving back.
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