A pond teeming with life

Increasing the biodiversity in our neighbourhood park together

Something special has been created in our park’s food forest: a pond that already teemed with life immediately after completion. No pump, fountain, or fish, but a drinking spot for birds, a resting place for local residents, and in the future, a “classroom” for curious children.

Why a pond (or is it a pool?)

The request emerged from the 2023 suggestion box: a pond as a haven of peace and a source of biodiversity. The pond attracts birds, insects, and amphibians and enhances the park’s natural wealth.

What’s the difference between a pond and a pool? People create ponds, while nature creates pools. We hope our pond will resemble a pool. That it will become a place where flora and fauna can thrive and biodiversity increases naturally.

How was the pond constructed?

Students from UWC Maastricht designed the pond and helped with its construction. First, the design was laid out, then extensive excavation work began. The bottom was given a protective layer of geotextile, followed by EPDM pond liner. Friendly neighbours supplied large boulders, which, along with sand and pond substrate (volcanic material), completed the entire project. Around the pond, we created a natural edge of stones, plants, and a deck. Students and volunteers lovingly laid everything by hand, in all weather conditions!

What can we find there?

From the moment the pond was filled with water, it was alive with life: whirligig beetles and dragonflies were the first to arrive. We’ve added oxygen-producing plants that ensure good water quality, such as marsh gladiolus, English water mint, and needle grass. Water snails also contribute to the water quality by eating algae and daphnia. Who would have thought? We’ve also spotted backswimmer fish and a red-bellied alpine newt. Go take a look, there’s much more to discover!

Join us!

In 2026, we’re organising a water safari. Would you like to join us on our exploration? Send us a message, and we’ll keep you updated. Or just drop by the neighbourhood park and enjoy our pond teeming with life. Every fourth Saturday of the month, we’re working together in the park, and we often have pond maintenance tasks as well.

The pond was made possible by a grant from the Elisabeth Strouven Fund. This contribution has created a wonderful learning environment!

See you at De Groene Poort Oost!
Marieke, Mariette, Annabel