We have two ponds in our wildlife area at our community allotment which encourage a variety of native species to the site including frogs, newts, a wide range of birds, even grass snakes and foxes. The main pond is teeming with life in the summer!

Unfortunately, the pond has had some non-native species introduced, possibly via birds or due to plants being donated with non-native roots attached. The main issue was some bull rushes which had spread into the pond. They're too big and can totally overwhelm a pond. So, we had to clear them out.

It's good practice to disturb a wildlife pond as little as possible. But the best time to do a tidy up or remove items is during autumn when many creatures are less active and baby frogs and newts are usually big enough to cope with the disturbance.

Cerys and I lifted out the large bull rushes and their roots and left them lying on the side of the pond. This is essential practice, especially if you're lifting bottom silt, so any creatures that are lifted out with the waste can drain or climb back into the pond. We did come across a couple of frogs and newts but managed to disturb them as little as possible.

We also lifted out some native plants to thin out and divide. Cerys split some of the yellow irises and re-potted them in her homemade aquatic pots, then replaced them in the pond.

We will now leave the pond to settle and look forward to seeing it thriving again next Spring.