slope for critters

I have used old planks leading from the pot of the submerged plant pots to the edge, as I once had to rescue a hedgehog that got in and couldn't get out. I think the only problem with decking would be if they have been treated with some preservative - pond life is very sensitive to chemicals. Otherwise wood seems to last surprisingly well - worth making sure it's got enough grip on it for little claws.

 

Thanks for your advice..I will go to a hardware shop tomorrow for some untreated wood ..I can put plastic gutter protection one .or maybe a something like a drain pipe would be better incase anything falls in the pond

 

Decking is normally tanalised, not sure what chemicals are used but don't think it would be a good idea in the pond, I think any form of wood would eventually start to break down and possibly cause an imbalance in your pond.

 

Hi I have put this in for a slope not sure if it's OK though

 

The white plastic should be ok , if a bit slippy though you could rough it up with sandpaper, and we would hold it in place with wire or string, that fine netting might cause birds or frogs etc to get their legs tangled in it .. ?

We just use an old branch so they can climb in and out or perch on it.

 

oh thanks for your reply , silly question where can i get a tree branch from as its illegal to collect from council land ..

 

Decking would rot away sooner or later. There are options that look like decking, but made out of plastic. Just remember that some critter falling in and trying to get out in a panic probably wont be able to climb a slippery plastic slope. So maybe use some stones on the back end where all your pipes run into the pond. would help to mask them as well

 

Thanks for your reply I think you are talking about top right where water but is . We have under water lights in as well ..not sure about rocks due to liner but I am trying to find some tree branches from some where

Thanks

 

If you have no old tree branches, think a peice of Untreated timber would last more than a year or you could use one of more of these little ladders.

https://www.therange.co.uk/pets/sma...7ey-AIVWODtCh1xCAB9EAQYAiABEgLHzPD_BwE#408874

 

I had a hedge hog in my pond a few years ago.
I watched it for a few moments before getting it out.
Anything that is in the water automatically goes all around the outside trying to find somewhere to scramble out.
My pond has over hanging stones around the outside, so kind of a death trap really.
The best solution I came up with is this.


The bricks are built up from the bottom and go completely under the over hang.
I tried ramps and they always leave a gap underneath at the edge and any thing trying to get out tends to swim underneath missing the ramp.