Wildlife ponds need durable but natural looking edges to keep animals from damaging the liner or turning the watering into a muddy mess. You’ll want to add a generous cover of rocks or stone to prevent little clawed feet and bigger hooves from breaking through the liner. Make sure there are plenty of plants around the edges, not just in the winter, to let animals access the water without feeling exposed. It may make it a harder for you to see who’s visiting your pond, but shrubs and small trees with limited root systems will provide screening and shelter without damaging the pond liner.
Try making your pond edge covers double as a wildlife attractant by choosing flowering plants that attract insects and butterflies. Landscape the area surrounding the pond with wildlife shelter and attractants to make the entire zone a home for dozens of different species. The water itself doesn’t have to be the largest volume to be valuable as a water source and home for frogs and newts. By putting more of your wildlife habitat budget to the ground surrounding the pond, you’ll see greater results than just trying to build the biggest pond you can.
