How to build a no dig pond with WoodBlocX

A no-dig pond lets you add water, wildlife and wow-factor without heavy excavation. Using modular WoodBlocX walls as a strong, attractive surround, you can build above ground on top of firm, levelled ground, protecting services and tree roots while keeping mess to a minimum. It’s ideal for town gardens, rented homes and tight access sites.

• Minimal ground disturbance • Fast weekend project • Safe, straight or curved designs • Long-lasting, replaceable components • Perfect for wildlife or formal rills • Works on patios, decks and courtyards.

WoodBlocX kit (pre-designed pond bundle or custom design), liners and underlay, spirit level, straight edge, tape, ground protection boards (for lawns), broom, geotextile, sharp sand or fine screenings, scissors/knife, hose, buckets, aquatic compost, gravel for capping/margins, and pond plants.

For a tailored kit and a full cut list, use our Free Design Service.

• Choose the spot: half-day sun is perfect; avoid overhanging deciduous trees.
• Check services: confirm no shallow utilities under patios or lawns.
• Surface: a no-dig pond sits on top of a firm, level base: flags, concrete, compacted type-1 with sand blinding, or timber deck with adequate joist support.
• Safety: if children use the garden, consider a raised design, secure capping, and wildlife exit ramps.
• Permissions: in most UK gardens you won’t need permission, but listed properties or shared courtyards may have restrictions.
• Design help: see our WoodBlocX Pond page for standard sizes and corner/curve options.

1) Set out — Mark the footprint with chalk or masking tape. Measure diagonals to square.
2) Level base — Brush clean; add a thin sand blinding to remove high spots. Check with a long level.
3) First course — Lay the first WoodBlocX course exactly to line. This course controls everything else.
4) Pin and dovetail — Drive the supplied pegs/pins through pre-drilled holes per the kit guide.
5) Build up — Add subsequent courses, staggering joints for strength.
6) Brace corners/long runs — Fit corner blocks and internal braces as shown on your plan.
7) Cap — Dry-fit the capping to test overhangs; remove for liner fitting.

For general assembly principles, see our Assembly Guide.

8) Cushion layer — Line the base and walls with quality underlay (or doubled geotextile).
9) Liner drop — Centre the flexible EPDM liner with generous slack at corners and rim.
10) Pre-fill shape — Add 50–75 mm of water to settle folds. Smooth pleats towards corners, never stretch tight.
11) Trap the liner — Refit capping to clamp the liner neatly; trim excess leaving a safe return under the cap.
12) Conceal edges — Hide any exposed liner behind capping, planting pockets, or gravel shoulders.

Need help choosing a liner size? Our team can calculate this with your kit — start here: Free Design Service.

13) Fill slowly — Use a plate or bag to diffuse the hose and protect the liner shape.
14) Create levels — Use baskets or internal platforms (hidden blocks or bricks) for marginals at 10–20 cm depth; lilies at 40–60 cm.
15) Add life — Native plants (hornwort, water mint, marsh marigold) boost ecology. Avoid invasive species.
16) Finish surfaces — Cap firmly; add a narrow gravel shelf for birds and hedgehogs to drink safely. Fit a small wildlife ramp.
17) Optional features — A compact pump for a rill or blade can be hidden in a corner chamber.

Explore more inspiration on our Blog and see raised water features in our Gallery.

• Small terrace, London: slim rectangular rill along a boundary fence; slate capping; uplights.
• Family garden, Glasgow: 600–700 mm raised wildlife pond with sturdy capping and integrated bench.
• Courtyard, York: square formal pond with a stainless blade; evergreen balls and grasses around.
• Modern deck, Exeter: long, low trough pond parallel to boards; Japanese maple and iris for structure.

For bespoke shapes (curves, L-shapes, split-level), ask our designers: Free Design Service.

• Skim leaves in autumn; top up with rainwater.
• Thin oxygenators and marginals in late summer.
• In hot spells, add shade (floaters or a small pergola).
• Check capping fixings annually; WoodBlocX components are replaceable if ever damaged.

Read more tips in our How-to articles.

• Building on an uneven base — spend time levelling the first course.
• Pulling the liner tight — always allow slack for settlement.
• Over-stocking fish in small wildlife ponds.
• Forgetting wildlife exits — always include a ramp or shallow shelf.
• Using standard compost — use aquatic compost in baskets.

Start with a free concept and quote in 24–48 hours. Share your sizes, photos and wish-list and we’ll do the rest.