FAQs about ponds: ice

A hot pan can quickly melt a hole (Jules Howard)

WILDLIFE INFORMATION SERVICE

Frequently Asked Questions about... ponds:

How can I protect the creatures living in my pond if it freezes?

Frogs may lie dormant at the bottom of ponds in winter. Occasionally, in particularly icy spells, frogs can die of 'winterkill', where toxic gases (released in the pond through natural decomposition of dead leaves) can not escape from the pond due to the layer of ice. Though this can be upsetting to pond-owners this phenomenon is largely natural and will only affect a very small percentage of the local frog population.

In your garden pond you can reduce the likelihood of winterkill, by creating a hole in the ice. The best way to do this is to leave a ball or other floating object in the pond which can be removed to leave a hole after it freezes. Alternatively you could use pan of hot water placed on the ice to melt a hole. Never pour hot water onto the ice of use chemicals or salt. Similarly, do not be tempted to smash the ices as this can damage the pond liner and the pond life.

It is also advisable to clear snow from iced-over ponds - this allows light into the pond so submerged plants can still photosynthesise and produce oxygen.

More information:

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