Project Mickb
A build by hand of this wonderfully transformed pond, doubling its original size. Thoughtfully designed to create different levels and shelves for planting, supporting the ponds natural balance and giving wildlife easy access.
A beautiful natural-style waterfall using granite, limestone, sandstone and York stone flows through the streams and top reservoir. A light oak composite decking jetty creates a viewing platform and fish shelter. Underwater and external lighting completes the transformation.
🌿 Pond and Waterfall Transformation – S36
⏱️ Duration: 3 Weeks
📅 Completed: August 2026
🌱 Overview
To completely transform an existing pond into a larger, more modern and natural feature, increasing its capacity from 1,000 litres to 2,400 litres, while creating a healthier environment for fish and wildlife.
🎯 The Challenges
The existing pond had to be carefully dismantled, with the fish temporarily rehoused in tubs with their own pumps and filters.
The fish also needed protection from predators and the intense summer heat and sunlight while the new pond was constructed.
The new structure was built methodically, with fail-safe checks and testing carried out throughout the process. The pond was filled and emptied six times before completion to ensure everything was working correctly and the water was safe for the fish and wildlife to return.
The water removed during testing was recycled and used to water the garden.
🏡 Original Pond
The original pond was constructed using a precast liner with a moulded waterfall.
🌺 The New Design
The new pond was completely built by hand using a rubber liner and underlay with a lifetime guarantee, allowing us to create a bespoke shape and increase the pond to more than double its original size.
Different levels and shelves were created to provide areas for marginal planting, support the ponds natural balance and give wildlife easier access in and out of the water.
The natural-style waterfall was also built by hand using a combination of granite, limestone, sandstone and York stone. It incorporates a top reservoir, a stream running beneath the rocks and a further stream flowing over them.
A light oak composite decking jetty was built over the pond, creating a viewing platform and providing additional shelter for the fish. The decking also houses the pumps and filtration systems, with discreet trap doors providing easy access for maintenance.
New electrics were installed, including underwater and external pond lighting.
🌟 Technical Features
The pond incorporates a carefully designed fail-safe system, with duplicate pumps and filtration equipment providing backup should anything fail.
2,400 litre pond capacity
2 x filtration systems
12,000L/hr waterfall pump
3,000L/hr stream pump
2,000L/hr air pump and cylindrical air stone
Automated pond top-up system supplied from the garage roof
Underwater 12V lighting
Two Blagden 4-way control boxes
Automated air pump operation to oxygenate and circulate the water
Filtration through the top filter twice per hour and bottom filter three times per hour
🌿Planting & Finishing
The planting scheme includes an acer tree, ground cover plants, shrubs, grasses and marginal pond plants, helping the pond blend naturally into the surrounding garden while providing valuable habitat for wildlife.
🌟 Result
The light oak composite decking, timber posts and decorative rope details add a subtle nautical feel while creating a practical and attractive viewing area.
The result is a complete transformation from a small, dated pond into a larger, modern and carefully engineered pond and waterfall feature, designed to provide a beautiful focal point while creating a healthy and welcoming environment for both fish and wildlife.
📞 Get in Touch Interested in transforming your outdoor space?
☎️ 0114 290 3617 or 07426 229 327
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