Foreword by Kate Bradbury Introduction - the wonder of pondsWhat makes ponds so special?Prehistoric pondsPonds and civilisationThe birth of the ornamental pond The state of Britain's ponds Hidden values of ponds Chapter 1 The ideas stage Considering creatures Where to place a pondHolding waterProfiling your pondShaping your pondTonics, pumps and filtersConsidering tub pondsConsidering patio pondsConsidering classic garden wildlife pondsConsidering larger garden wildlife ponds Chapter 2 Preparing your pond Preparing your patio pondDigging the classic garden wildlife pondDigging a larger garden wildlife pondPond features - nesting sitesPond features - warming upPond features - safe places for pond wildlifePond features - feeding spotsPond features for pond watchersConnecting up your pondsSafe pond designs Chapter 3 Managing your pond Problem plants and algaeControlling problem plants and algaeRepairing leaksDrought yearsPonds in winterDe-silting pondsYour pond and pollutionManagement jobs throughout the year Chapter 4 Planting up your pond Sourcing pond plantsPlanting zonesDeep-water planting - submerged plantsDeep-water planting - floating-leaf and free-floating plantsShallow-water zonesWetland and pond-edge zonesInvasive pond plants Chapter 5 Pond animals to look out for Worms and worm-like creaturesFlies and their larvaeWater beetlesWater bugsPond crustaceansPond snailsMites and spidersDragonflies and damselfliesCaddisflies, mayflies and mothsFrogs and toadsNewtsSnakes and reptilesBirdsMammals Chapter 6 Exploring your pond Pond dippingSafe pond dippingSchool pondsNighttime visitorsThrough the lensPlugging into the scienceTemporary housingYour pond and its food websTaking inspiration from nature Useful organisations Organisations able to provide specialist adviceStatutory conservation agencies Further reading Acknowledgements Index.