Turning a geological improbability into a wildlife pond

​

In 2012 I moved in to my property in Brockham and discovered a geologically improbable stone cairn from the top of which emerged a fountain!

---

​


​In 2015 I replaced the improbable stone cairn with a water feature with 5 leaves. It was used for drinking and bathing by blue tits and other birds, which I sometimes catch queuing up with face flannels, bars of soap and towels tucked under their wings.

---

​In March 2025 the cobbles and metal grid cover were removed to expose the black butyl liner of what had been the reservoir for the water feature. I’m passionate about hedgehogs and there is a permanent ‘infestation’ of hedgehogs in my garden, so a hedgehog escape ramp was quickly installed! 

---

In June 2025 the pond was planted with a range of floating and oxygenating plants which grew well in the warm weather. Watercress was planted later and first harvested in October. One water beetle and Daphnia infestation so far but I remain optimistic.

---

Richard Selley is a resident of Brockham and President of the Mole Valley Geological Society. He is a self-declared fan of hedgehogs and runs a mailist on their behalf under the nom de plume 'hog whisperer'.