New Nature Pool Constructed at Arley Arboretum and Gardens.

All through the winter and early spring, the team of gardeners and volunteers at Arley Arboretum and Gardens are working hard to get the formal areas, fountains and maze in pristine condition for the start of the season in March. However, another important aspect of the team’s work is the maintenance and creation of optimum habitats for the dozens of indigenous plant species, birds and other animals that make the arboretum their home.

This year another attraction for keen gardeners and nature lovers has been added, with the creation, from scratch of an impressive wildlife pool that is over 25 mtrs by 17 mtrs wide.

The pool was designed and built specifically to create a new home for some of the spectacular flora and fauna currently found within both an existing pool next to the new addition, and a very well established smaller pond in nearby woodland within the arboretum.


Species currently found include dragonflies, damselflies, newts, toads and frogs. As the pool matures these creatures will naturally colonise the area adding to an already healthy population of beautiful and often rare species.


As Michael Darvill, Head Gardener commented: ‘We’ve designed the pool to be wide but with shallow, sloping edges to allow wildlife to get in and out of the water easily. It sounds strange but amphibians can drown if they can’t get out of the water when necessary.’


The pool has been filled with rainwater collected over the winter, and topped up with water from the adjacent pool. This will allow the colonisation of the pond to happen faster as tap water can contain a high mineral content and is not wildlife friendly.


The new pool is just a few metres from another large wildlife pool, fringed by mature trees. Over the next few months a waterfall will be constructed between the two areas of water, and a bridge will allow visitors to span and view the pools without disturbing the wildlife. The waterfall will allow amphibians etc to travel between the pools safely and with ease.


The fringes of the new pool have been planted with water loving plants such as rushes, grasses and primula. It is expected that the pool will be fully completed by early summer 2012.


Arley Arboretum and Gardens opens to the public on 14th March 2012. Access to the arboretum is available before this date by arrangement.