Water

Water is essential to all forms of life. Although food sources provide some of the water necessary to wildlife, a good drink of clean water would help attract wildlife. If you do not have a watery habitat in your garden, consider how you might provide water. Whether it be through the creation of a pond or the use of birdbaths, any source of water in your garden would increase the habitat value of your property.

Birdbaths are a common form of water source in many gardens. You can purchase one or just as easily create your own! This site provides instructions on how to build a simple terra cotta birdbath while this site provides instructions and examples of birdbaths built using a variety of materials ranging from bowls to rocks and concrete. There are many birdbath designs available on the internet, but whatever materials you choose for your birdbath, please keep the following features in mind:

• birdbaths must be relatively shallow
• they must have well-defined edges or gentle slopes upon which birds can land
• the bath water must be cleaned and/or replaced on a regular basis

Ponds are also another good source of water for wildlife. Not only do they provide water, but they also provide habitat for various species including frogs and dragonflies. If your property is large enough to fit a small pond, you might find this an attractive and feasible addition to your garden. Like birdbaths, you can purchase ponds at your local garden centre or you can build them yourself. The BBC provides a simple step-by-step instruction on how to build a garden pond here, while John Sankey provides instructions on how to build a pond with wildlife in mind here. Although Sankey's site is geared toward Canadians, the ecological principles he uses are applicable to Ireland. There are many other pond designs freely available on the internet; however, whichever design you choose, please keep in mind the following:

• gently sloping edges make it easier for wildlife to reach the water
• never use invasive plants in your ponds--their seeds or roots can be taken to other water sources by passing wildlife. Jenny Seawright provides a list of Irish flowers you can use in your pond here
• pesiticides, herbicides and other chemicals can influence your pond's water quality and adversely affect any organism in your pond--minimise their use in your garden and/or situate your pond as far away as possible from areas where you use these chemicals

[back to top]