About Ponds & Water in Winter

A frosty pond at dawn with tiny bird and animal footprints around the edge, Molly watching quietly f

When frost covers the garden, ponds and puddles can look quiet and still. But even in the coldest weeks, many animals are still searching for one simple thing – water.

Birds, foxes, badgers, squirrels and even the tiniest garden visitors all need to drink in winter. They use more energy keeping warm, so water can be just as important as food. A small patch of unfrozen water, whether in a pond or a simple garden bowl, can help many different creatures through icy spells.

Molly loves early winter walks. On frosty mornings she often finds tiny footprints around the pond – bird tracks, fox prints, squirrel tail marks – a quiet reminder that the garden is still busy, even when everything seems asleep.

A winter water bowl with a floating tennis ball to prevent freezing, Molly watching as birds perch.

You may never see all the visitors, but signs are often there if you look closely.

Garden birds such as robins, blackbirds, thrushes and wrens need water to drink and to keep their feathers in good condition
Squirrels may dash down from trees to sip quickly before scampering away
Foxes and badgers visit quietly at dusk or during the night, following familiar paths
Hedgehogs are usually hibernating, but a wandering hedgehog on a mild winter night may need a safe drink too

Even a small amount of water can support many different animals as they move through the garden.

How to Help and Keep Everyone Safe in Winter

A small garden pond with surrounging stones acting as liner in winter.

Gentle Ways to Help

You don’t need a big pond to make a difference. Simple steps are often best.

Put out a shallow bowl of fresh water
Place bowls in a sunny, sheltered spot so they thaw more easily
For ponds, float a tennis ball or similar object to help stop the surface freezing completely
If ice forms, tip it out gently and refill with cool tap water (not hot)
Use shallow dishes so small birds can drink safely at the edge

Molly likes to check her birdbath each morning, making sure there is water ready for whoever drops by.

What Not to Use

Some online tips suggest stronger methods to clear ice, but these can be harmful to pets, wildlife and plants.

Try to avoid:

Salt
De-icer or antifreeze
Bleach, ammonia or strong cleaning fluids
Boiling water poured directly onto ice
Sharp blows that could damage pond liners or stonework

Gentle and steady is always safer – for the pond and for the creatures that share your garden.

Keeping Everyone Safe

While helping wildlife, it’s important to think about pets and children too.

Keep de-icing products stored well away from ponds and water bowls
Place birdbaths and bowls somewhere stable, where pets won’t knock them over
Avoid glass containers that might crack in the cold
Supervise young children around frozen ponds and deep water

Kindness for wildlife and care for family can go hand in hand.

A winter shoreline with the word "Winter" shown in capital letters.

Did You Know?

Birds can lose body heat quickly in icy weather, so clean water helps them stay healthy
Animals will often use the same safe water source again and again
A single garden pond can support insects, amphibians and mammals all year round
Leaving just a hand-sized patch of open water can help far more creatures than you might expect