Pond, wetland & wildlife advice

Natural swimming ponds are becoming one of the most sought-after landscape features in the UK. Combining the beauty of a wildlife pond with the enjoyment of outdoor swimming, they offer a more natural alternative to traditional swimming pools. However, not all natural swimming ponds are the same. A plant-led system should be the starting point…

Bentonite Clay Pond Sealing in Devon: Natural Solutions for Leaky Ponds If your pond is losing water or struggling to hold a consistent level, you may be dealing with a leaky pond — a common issue across Devon, Dartmoor, and the wider South West. Many ponds built on sandy or stony soils simply don’t retain…

A pond pump is the heart of any healthy pond — keeping water circulating, oxygen levels stable, and filters performing efficiently.When it suddenly stops, your pond’s balance can quickly shift, leading to cloudy water, algae growth, or even stressed fish. Before rushing to replace your pump, follow this step-by-step troubleshooting guide from the SAS Aquatics…

The cost of a professionally built pond depends less on its surface area than many people expect. Access, excavation volume, ground conditions, water retention, spoil, stone, planting, filtration, levels and the way the finished pond connects to the wider site can all change the scope substantially. Budget guidance, excluding VAT. The figures below are not…

Devon and Cornwall’s mild, wet climate is ideal for thriving ponds — but it’s also tough on pond materials. Heavy rain, fluctuating temperatures, and shifting clay soils can all cause leaks that slowly drain away water and patience alike. At SAS Aquatics, we repair and maintain ponds of every type — liner, fibreglass, concrete, and…

A leaking pond can be frustrating — one day it’s full, the next it’s mysteriously dropping. Many Devon and Cornwall pond owners wonder whether to tackle a repair themselves or call a specialist. In this guide, we’ll explore the real causes of pond leaks, what can be fixed DIY, and when it’s worth calling in…

You do not need a large garden to create useful freshwater habitat. A carefully placed small pond can support insects, birds and amphibians while adding movement and seasonal interest to the garden. This is a practical guide for straightforward DIY wildlife ponds. If access, drainage, structures or detailed landscaping make the project more complex, see…

Whether you’re restoring a farm scrape, designing a garden pond, or managing a community wetland, the right plants make all the difference.Native aquatic and marginal plants not only look beautiful — they keep your pond healthy, oxygenated, and teeming with wildlife. Across Devon and Cornwall, our clients are finding that a well-planted pond becomes the…

After another year of heavy downpours and sudden droughts, many Devon and Cornwall homeowners are asking the same question: “How can I make my garden cope better with extreme weather?” The answer often lies in how your land manages water. By adding rainwater ponds, swales, and permeable planting zones, you can turn excess runoff into…

A natural swimming pond is a living waterbody, not a conventional pool with different finishes. Its appearance and behaviour change through the year as plants grow, water warms, leaves fall and the balance of nutrients and circulation shifts. What “natural” really means Natural swimming systems manage water through a combination of biological processes, planted areas,…

A small garden pond can provide excellent wildlife habitat, but limited space makes every design decision more important. The water must sit comfortably within the garden, retain water reliably, offer safe shallow access for wildlife and remain manageable without overwhelming the space. This guide explains the decisions behind a professionally planned small pond. For a…

When we think of rewilding, we often imagine vast landscapes, beavers, and sweeping ecological change. But you don’t need hundreds of acres to make a real difference. Even a single shallow scrape, swale, or seasonal pond can spark a remarkable transformation in local biodiversity — creating habitat, restoring water balance, and helping nature thrive again.…

As autumn arrives and leaves begin to fall, many garden ponds start to suffer from murky water, sludge build-up, and tired filtration systems. If your pond’s looking dull or struggling to stay clear, autumn can be a suitable time to plan professional pond cleaning service in Devon or Cornwall. Whether you’ve got a large koi…

Essential Autumn Maintenance Tips As the leaves begin to fall and the nights draw in, autumn is a useful time to prepare a garden pond for winter. A little care and attention in autumn can save you headaches in spring, keeping your fish healthy and your pond water clear.   Why Autumn Pond Care Matters…

As the days shorten and autumn rains soften the ground, autumn can be a useful time to review how water moves through a site. Whether you’re a homeowner wanting to create a beautiful wildlife pond in your garden, or a landowner looking to restore wetlands on a larger scale, autumn offers the best conditions for…

Wildlife Ponds for Climate Resilience: How Ponds Protect Against Floods and Droughts Climate change is bringing heavier rainfall, longer dry spells, and greater weather extremes to the UK. For landowners, farmers, and local councils in Devon and Cornwall, the question is no longer if these challenges will affect us — but how we adapt. One…