Wildlife Pond Construction
At Specialist Aquatic Solutions, we design and build bespoke garden ponds, koi ponds, and wildlife ponds throughout Devon and Cornwall. Whether you’re dreaming of a crystal-clear raised pond, a natural wildlife pond, or want to refurbish an existing water feature, our experienced team can bring your ideas to life.
Wildlife Pond Construction in Devon & Cornwall
We combine expert knowledge of water quality, life support systems, and filtration with years of hands-on experience. From small ornamental ponds to large-scale custom builds, we handle every detail: design, excavation, lining, filtration, planting, and long-term care.
Costs of Wildlife Pond Construction
Every pond is unique. As a guide, most builds start from £2,000–£3,000 for small garden ponds, or £5,000+ for larger natural or rewilding ponds, depending on depth, lining, and planting.
We provide transparent quotes and site visits across Devon and Cornwall.
We work on a transparent hourly rate and will provide a clear estimate once we’ve discussed your requirements.
Our Wildlife Pond Construction Process
Wildlife ponds are one of the most rewarding features you can add to your garden. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also provide vital habitats for frogs, toads, dragonflies, newts, insects, birds, and small mammals.
Our wildlife ponds are carefully designed with native plants and eco-friendly practices to boost biodiversity and encourage pollinators like bees and butterflies. By incorporating oxygenating plants, water lilies, and marginal planting, we create a healthy, balanced ecosystem right in your garden.
Bring your landscape to life with a bespoke pond designed for wildlife, beauty, and balance.
At Sasaquatics, we build everything from natural wildlife ponds to large rewilding water bodies — across Devon, Dartmoor, and Cornwall.
Wildlife Planting, Shelves & Habitat Features & Filtration
We source our plants and equipment from trusted suppliers to ensure long-lasting results. Whether you’re looking for submerged oxygenators, floating lilies, or striking marginal plants, we’ll select the right mix for your pond.
For filtration, we recommend systems from leading brands such as Evolution Aqua and Oase, matched to your pond’s size and requirements.
Eco-Friendly, Plastic-Free Pond Options
Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs) combine layers of natural sodium bentonite clay bonded between biodegradable or low-impact geotextiles. When hydrated, the clay swells to form a highly impermeable barrier. GCLs are widely used in conservation and wetland restoration due to their low carbon footprint, chemical stability, and self-sealing properties. They perform best in larger or non-residential ponds, attenuation basins, and habitat creation schemes where durability and environmental integrity are priorities.
For smaller or more naturalistic ponds, bentonite clay lining—sometimes called “puddled clay”—offers a completely plastic-free solution. When installed correctly at 150–300 mm depth and compacted in layers, bentonite forms a continuous watertight seal that integrates naturally with the surrounding soil. It can also self-heal small cracks or root penetrations, making it ideal for rewilding projects, farm ponds, or traditional landscape restoration.
Both methods minimise synthetic materials and support plastic-free pond construction in Devon and the South West, aligning with rewilding and regenerative design principles. They also improve long-term ecological outcomes by avoiding microplastic release, supporting soil biology, and maintaining stable water chemistry for aquatic life.
Recent Projects Across Devon, Cornwall & Dartmoor
A wildlife pond with no pumps. A complete refurbishment due to a leaking liner.
One of the largest residential wildlife ponds we built and maintain.
A new build wildlife pond with wildflower meadow.
Pond Refurbishment & Maintenance
If you already have a pond in Devon or Cornwall that needs some attention, we also provide expert refurbishment and maintenance. Our services include:
- Full seasonal and annual pond cleans
- Liner repair or replacement
- Equipment checks and upgrades
- Water chemistry analysis
- Fish health checks
- General consultancy and advice
Pond Desilting & Refurbishment in South Devon
If your pond has filled with silt or lost depth, our team provides careful pond desilting and restoration across South Devon and Dartmoor. We use low-impact excavation to restore clarity and depth without damaging existing habitats.
From restoring an overgrown wildlife pond to modernising an older garden pond, we can get your water feature looking and working at its best.
Why Choose Specialist Aquatic Solutions?
- Local pond experts serving Devon and Cornwall
- Fully insured and VAT registered
- Transparent, professional service
- High-quality plants and equipment from trusted suppliers
- Specialists in wildlife ponds and eco-friendly builds
We also act as a specialist pond and wetland creation delivery partner for Wildlife Trusts, Rivers Trusts, local authorities and schools.
Learn more about our pond and wetland delivery partner service.
Wildlife Ponds for Homes and Gardens
Looking for reliable pond builders in Devon or Cornwall? Whether it’s a new garden pond installation, a wildlife pond build, or a complete refurbishment, Specialist Aquatic Solutions are here to help.
Call 08000371125 
Email info@sasaquatics.com or complete our Contact Form
How much does a wildlife pond cost to build in Devon?
Costs depend on pond size, depth, materials, and planting.
As a guide, small garden ponds start around £2,000–£3,000, while larger wildlife or rewilding ponds may range from £5,000–£15,000+. We offer free site visits and clear estimates before any work begins.
Do you handle both wildlife and ornamental ponds?
Yes, we design everything from garden water features to full rewilding ponds.
Do you cover Cornwall as well as Devon?
Absolutely — we operate throughout Devon, Dartmoor, and Cornwall.
Do I need planning permission for a pond in Devon or Cornwall?
In most cases, no planning permission is required for garden or small wildlife ponds.
Larger ponds, or those near public rights of way, streams, or protected habitats, may require consultation with your local authority or Natural England. We can help check this as part of your initial assessment.
What’s the best liner for a wildlife pond?
This depends on your soil and site conditions.
Clay soils often hold water naturally.
Sandy or free-draining soils benefit from a bentonite clay or EPDM rubber liner.
We’ll advise the most sustainable option during your design phase. Most garden ponds will require a liner.
How long does it take to build a pond?
Most small wildlife ponds can be designed and installed within 1–2 weeks, depending on weather and site access.
Larger ponds may take several weeks, particularly if desilting, landscaping, or new planting are involved.
Can you build ponds on sloping or uneven ground?
Yes. Many of Devon and Cornwall’s most beautiful sites are on hillsides or moorland edges. We can reshape levels, create terraces, or install small bunds to ensure stable water levels and safe slopes.
Can you restore or desilt an old pond instead of digging a new one?
Absolutely. Pond restoration and desilting make up a large part of our work — particularly in South Devon and Dartmoor.
This is often the best route when an existing pond still has good structure or historical value.
Will my pond attract unwanted animals or mosquitoes?
A healthy, well-planted pond quickly becomes self-regulating. Frogs, dragonflies, and predatory insects naturally control mosquito larvae, and native planting reduces algae and weed overgrowth.
Can you help with planting plans and filtration?
Yes. We design balanced planting schemes using native oxygenators, marginals, and floaters.
For ornamental or fish ponds, we can add subtle filtration systems that maintain clarity without disturbing wildlife.
Do you work with private gardens as well as farms and estates?
Yes — we build and restore wildlife ponds for homes, schools, smallholdings, and larger landholdings across Devon and Cornwall. Home ponds are a growing part of what we do.
Can a wildlife pond increase biodiversity for ELMS or BNG projects?
Definitely. A properly designed pond can deliver measurable biodiversity uplift, helping meet ELMS or Biodiversity Net Gain targets. We provide supporting data and mapping where needed.
What maintenance does a wildlife pond need?
Very little once it’s established.
We recommend a light clean and vegetation check once or twice a year to remove excess plant growth and maintain open water. Our maintenance team can handle this seasonally or annually.
Do you provide follow-up care or maintenance?
Yes. We offer ongoing maintenance plans to keep ponds healthy — including vegetation trimming, desilting, and water quality checks.
Do you cover both Devon and Cornwall?
Yes. We’re based near Moretonhampstead and regularly work throughout Dartmoor, South Devon, Mid Devon, and Cornwall. Larger projects across the South West can also be arranged.
Wildlife pond builder near me?
Find out how we can help you, by speaking to one of our pond specialists today.
