Backyard Summer Turtle Pond Project!

Hello! I am 12 years old and I have designed and created a turtle pond for our backyard with a little help from my parents.

Having a turtle pond was on our mind for a while, and seeing how happy our turtle was when we let him roam around in our yard, made us choose to build him a summer pond where he could relax in the sunshine. It provides him a more natural habitat where he can explore in a safe, contained way, as well as providing some enrichment to his day and also to ours. It is lovely to look at and brings a decorative element to our yard. We all love the pond and so does our turtle!

• Small fence for the enclosure in the correct length. To fit our chosen size, we bought 3 wooden fences, each 2m long and 25cm tall.
• Plastic box in the desired size.
• Medium gravel and medium rocks for around the border of the box.
• Two thick plastic bags help to keep the rocks from sinking and with disassembly afterwards.
• Plants as desired, we used 1 Kale,1 Mangold (a variety of the beat plant) and 1 Roman Chamomile.
• One strip of bamboo fencing, to make a dipping bridge.
• A shovel for digging a hole.
• Optional, pair of pliers and a hammer.

Look around your space and ask yourself the following question: Where can I put a turtle pond? Where would my turtle be the happiest? In the chosen space, what is the climate like? Is there shade? Is there sun? Are the conditions appropriate for you species of turtle? Can I easily maintain a turtle pond here? Is there grass? Or do I have to plant some? Once you have answers for these question, maybe you would like to debate about the location with your family to make sure it is just right. Then draw a sketch about the design you would like to implement, the placement and size of things. Your sketch might not turn out like the real pond, neither did ours, but it is good for reference. Our enclosure has a perimeter of 592cm. And the box is approximately 40 by 50 cm.

Now, it's time for the fun part! Go searching for materials in local stores or around the house. Once you have gathered everything it's time to start placing the wooden fence around the perimeter, consult your sketch and start making the shape of the fence using the measurements. Secure the fencing in place. We used a pair of pliers to knot the wire that was at the end of each piece of fencing, but depending on the fence, you might want to add some additional support so it doesn't topple over. Now place your box where you want the pond to be. Dig a hole, big enough to fit the box, then place some thick plastic in the hole, underneath the spot where the box will go. Place your box in the hole and pack soil tightly underneath the plastic.

Place strips of plastic around the perimeter of the box, then place gravel on top and use the medium rocks to make a border for the gravel by naturally spreading them. Get out some gravel and a couple of medium rocks and spread them on the bottom of the box, you might want to give them a wash as they can be quite dusty. For washing we used our dog's kiddie pool and bathed the rocks inside.

Get out your strip of bamboo fencing and position it in your box so the edges rest on the gravel. You can position it at an angle or just straight, ours is at an angle. Adjust the fencing so it creates a dip, low enough you can cover it with water. You should be able to fit your fist underneath. The space should be big enough so your turtle can fit underneath. Our fencing had one leg on either side so we twisted it a little and hamerd it in place. Your fencing might be different so you might have to think of other ways you can secure it in place.

Get out your plants and position them in their spots, you can look at your sketch for reference. Then, when you find the right spots, plant them. Fill your pond with water up to the brim, so your turtle can easily get out.

This is a summer pond for your turtle, not a full time enclosure. It is not functional for winter because there is no heater. As there is no filtration system involved, you do have to change the water regularly. We like to bring our turtle inside when it is super hot outside and at night, as we can't supervise. Depending on your breed you could leave it there over night. You also have to water the plants :)

You can bring in your turtle and enjoy your new Summer Turtle Pond!