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Case Study: Hand-Built EcoSystem Pond in Just Three Days

Garden ecosystem pond

When a client approached FishLife with the vision of transforming part of their garden into a thriving, wildlife-friendly water feature, we knew this project would be something special. The brief was clear:

Create an EcoSystem-style pond designed to support aquatic invertebrates, pollinating insects, birds, and natural plant life.


The client was flexible and gave us the freedom to be creative, and we delivered.


Project Overview


  • Duration: 3 days

  • Method: 100% hand-built, no machinery used! (Although in hindsight… we wish we’d hired a mini-digger!)

  • Goal: Build a natural, wildlife-focused EcoSystem pond


Despite the physical challenge, the team completed the excavation, shaping, and construction entirely by hand, ensuring minimal disruption to the garden and maximum control over the final contours.


Materials & Equipment Used

Structural & Aesthetic Materials


  • York stone rockery for natural edging and structure

  • 20 mm shingle for planting shelves and natural substrate

  • 15 x 20 L bags of pond compost for aquatic planting zones

  • Protective under-matting

  • High-quality EPDM professional-grade pond liner

  • Oase Pond Edging & Spikes for perimeter support

  • Selective mortar work to stabilise key stones


Filtration & Water Clarity


Oase FiltoClear 13000 Set (pressure filter with UVC):

  • Keeps the water clear

  • Prevents single-celled algae (green water)

  • Provides gentle, balanced circulation ideal for wildlife ponds


Additional Features


  • A simple internal water feature built within the pond

  • A shallow gravel zone is ideal for insects, birds, and amphibians.


Build Process


Step 1 Excavation & Shaping

With no machinery on site, the entire pond was dug by hand.This allowed us to create:

  • Natural planting shelves

  • A varied depth profile

  • Gentle slopes for easy wildlife access

The Oase Pond Edging and Spikes were installed before the underlay and liner.


Step 2 - Liner, Rockwork & Planting Zones

We installed the protective under-matting followed by the EPDM liner.The York stone rockery was then carefully arranged to form a natural-looking perimeter around the pond. Gravel and pond compost were added to establish stable planting pockets for native aquatic plants.


Step 3 - Water Fill, Filtration Setup & Finishing

After filling the pond, we installed the Oase FiltoClear 13000 and added a subtle internal water feature to enhance circulation. Final stone placement and gravel finishing created a natural, established appearance ready for wildlife to move in.


Designed for Wildlife

This pond was built specifically to support:

  • Aquatic invertebrates

  • Natural pond microorganisms

  • Visiting pollinators

  • Birds and small mammals

  • Spring and summer plant growth

We supplied a starter selection of plants, with the client adding more in spring to complete the ecosystem.



A Beautiful Natural Haven, Ready for Nature


The completed pond now sits seamlessly within the garden landscape, looking as though it has always belonged there. With natural stone edging, layered planting shelves, and wildlife-friendly access points, it provides everything needed for a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem.


In the months ahead, the shallow gravel margins will attract bees, hoverflies, and butterflies seeking moisture. The deeper areas will become home to aquatic invertebrates, while birds will use the pond for bathing and drinking. As additional plants are introduced in spring, biodiversity will continue to grow.


For the client, this project delivers:


  • A low-maintenance, wildlife-rich pond

  • A natural aesthetic that blends beautifully with the garden

  • A long-lasting structure using professional materials

  • Clean, healthy water supported by the Oase FiltoClear 13000

  • The joy of watching nature reclaim the space day by day.


For us at FishLife, this project is another example of how thoughtful design, hands-on craftsmanship, and science-led water management can turn even a simple corner of a garden into a living, breathing ecosystem.


If you’re considering a wildlife pond, EcoSystem pond, or natural water feature for your property, we’d love to help you create something just as unique and vibrant.


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