FAQs about ponds: cleaning and mending

Keep spawn in a bucket or tank while you work (Natalie Giles)

WILDLIFE INFORMATION SERVICE

Frequently Asked Questions about... ponds:

I'm cleaning my pond / mending a leak, what shall I do with the spawn / tadpoles / adult amphibians I find?

If possible put off the work until late autumn as this is when there are least amphibians in the pond to disturb. If you need to carry out the work urgently during the spring, place the spawn/tadpoles in a tank or bucket of pond water while you do the work and then return them to the pond when you've finished.

You might come across adult frogs when doing work on your pond. These should be moved to another area of the garden that provides cover from predators and extreme weather (compost heap, log pile, amongst long vegetation/shrubs). If you're concerned they might keep coming back to the pond and getting in the way of the work, you can hold them in a tank/bucket, as long as it's not for too long, and release them afterwards.

There is no organisation that will be able to come and take the spawn, tadpoles or adult amphibians from you.

More information:

When's the best time to do pond work? >>>

Garden ponds and the law. >>>

Million Ponds Project. >>>