Reality check: Creating a wetland

A water or wetlands area can be a positive addition to any property. Well designed and planted with food-providing plants and trees, it may become a feeding area for wildlife, adding   vitality and diversity to your country home.

Careful planning is the answer to a successful pond or dam on a lifestyle block, and because each site is different it is best to get as much advice as you can.

Fish & Game councils have statutory responsibilities to manage, maintain, and enhance sports fish and game bird resources, and offer free advice in setting up and maintaining ponds or wetland areas.

Regional councils can assist with information on correct management. Some district councils now require resource consent for building of a dam or pond, so check with your council before starting   construction.

Fish & Game Auckland spokesperson John Dyer says you should first establish your reasons for a pond: Is it just  ornamental, or to make use of a swampy area, or to encourage wildlife, or to shoot on?

Secondly, how deep should your pond be? Dyer says not too deep as this will diminish naturally occurring food sources for bottom-feeders such as ducks and birds. If it is possible to have a pond with different depths it will suit both bird life and pond life.

"All ponds or dams need sunshine to work well,'' continues Dyer, "so provide a mix of shade areas with those that get full sun.''

Shade can be provided by planting trees and shrubs of differing heights in clumps. Avoid planting right around the pond as this impedes the natural flight path for wildlife, especially when trees are large. Ducks need a clear runway to see the pond and to land.

Choose plants that will fruit at different times of the year to provide a continuous food source.

"Do not plant trees or shrubs on a dam wall as the roots will weaken the wall as they seek out water,'' says Dyer. "Pampas grass is another one to avoid as it is a natural home for rats, stoats and weasels which feed on ducklings.''

If the pond or dam is accessible to stock it needs to be fenced to keep them from destroying the planting, breaking down the pond walls, creating erosion and polluting the water.

Set up a feeder near the pond to help attract wildlife. "It is best not to just scatter maize for the birds. This just encourages rats,'' says Dyer. "A Nosloc feeder, available at most farm supply stores, is ideal. The maize is kept away from predators and the ducks soon learn to peck the feeder to get the maize.

"A well-planted pond will attract wildlife. The planting will provide secure nesting and brood rearing areas, and means the pond may be used by a wide variety of waterfowl and native wildlife, herons, kingfishers and harrier hawks.''

Pond planting suggestions:
Large cover treesFlowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), deciduous, strong autumn colour with good fruit from March to May, ideal for ducks, pheasants and other birdlife.

Linden (Tilia x europea) sometimes called Common Lime, heavy seed producer March to May.

Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum), fast growing, winged seed February to March.

Liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua) deciduous, holds its fruit into winter. Provides good cover for birdlife.

Oaks (pin oak, Turkey or English), all fast growing and provide cover and   food for ducks and pheasants in autumn and into winter.

Berry producers
Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas), Shrubby, hardy, produces fruit berries February to May.
Mazzard cherry (Prunus avium), white mulberry (Morus alba), Japanese cherry and black chokeberry.

Damp loving plants
Swamp cypress (Taxodium distichum), Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica), Swamp Maple (Acer rubrum), all provide good cover plus food.

Contact Fish & Game  ph 07 849 1666 for pamphlets on creating wetlands, planting for damp areas, and trees for wildlife food.