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Create a Wildlife Haven in Your Dorking Garden

Based right here in Dorking at our Havenbury Estate workshop, Wild by Design has been creating stunning wildlife ponds throughout the North Downs since 2018. We understand Dorking’s unique conditions – from Box Hill’s chalk soils to the clay pockets of Westcote – and design ponds that thrive in your specific garden.

Whether you’re in a Victorian terrace in town, a cottage in Mickleham, or a rural property on Ranmore, we’ll create a wildlife pond perfectly suited to your North Downs garden.

The Wild by Design Difference

  • 50+ wildlife ponds created across Surrey since 2018
  • Every pond supports 300+ invertebrate species
  • 23 five-star Google reviews
  • 100% chemical-free pond management
  • BALI Accredited & Insured
  • 12-month aftercare included

Why Dorking Gardens Are Perfect for Wildlife Ponds

Dorking sits at the heart of Surrey’s most biodiverse landscapes. With Box Hill NNR, Ranmore Common, and the River Mole creating natural wildlife corridors, your garden pond becomes part of something bigger – supporting local species like:

  • Great crested newts (found around Box Hill and Ranmore)
  • Grass snakes (regular visitors to North Downs ponds)
  • Southern hawker dragonflies (breeding in garden ponds)
  • Common frogs and toads (declining in urban areas but thriving where ponds exist)

One well-designed pond in Dorking connects to this wider North Downs ecosystem, creating vital stepping stones for wildlife.

Understanding Dorking's North Downs Conditions

Chalk and Greensand Soils

The North Downs chalk creates alkaline, free-draining soils throughout Box Hill, Ranmore, and Mickleham areas:

Excellent drainage – no waterlogging issues
Quality liner essential – chalk won’t hold water naturally
Sharp flints – requires robust underlayment protection
Plant selection matters – we use native species adapted to alkaline conditions

Clay Pockets

Lower Dorking, Westcote, and Betchworth often have heavy clay:

Natural water retention but challenging excavation
Seasonal movement affects liner placement
Puddled clay option – we can create natural liner-free ponds in suitable clay

Sloping Gardens

Many Dorking properties feature hillside gardens – which we turn into features:

✓ Terraced ponds with stunning views
✓ Natural cascades using local Box Hill stone
✓ Gravity-fed streams
✓ Multiple viewing angles

We’ve installed dozens of ponds on Dorking slopes – it’s an opportunity, not a problem.

Dorking Wildlife Pond Services

Small Ponds (2-4m²)

Perfect for Dorking town terraces and cottage gardens. Recent projects in central Dorking and Westcote.

Medium Ponds (4-8m²)

Our most popular size for suburban Dorking gardens. Includes complete design, EPDM liner, North Downs stone edging, native planting (15-25 plants), and 12-month aftercare.

Large Feature Ponds (8m²+)

For rural properties around Ranmore and Betchworth. Can include cascades, bog gardens, and extensive native landscaping.

Pond Restoration

Many older Dorking properties have failing ponds. We’ve successfully restored ponds throughout the area, addressing:

  • Failed rigid liners (common in 1980s installations)
  • Chalk leaching through damaged liners
  • Overgrown vegetation
  • Lost wildlife populations

Standalone Pond Installation

Just want a pond added to your existing garden? No problem. We provide:

  • Free site assessment in Dorking
  • Pond design complementing your current garden
  • Professional installation with minimal disruption
  • Native planting scheme
  • Full maintenance guidance

Why Choose Wild by Design for Your Dorking Pond

We’re Based Right Here in Dorking

Our workshop is at Havenbury Estate on Station Road. We’re not traveling from elsewhere – this is home. We know:

✓ Every soil type from Box Hill to Betchworth
✓ Access challenges in Victorian terraces vs hillside properties
✓ Local wildlife populations and seasonal patterns
✓ Mole Valley planning requirements
✓ Best local suppliers for North Downs stone

Proven Local Track Record

We’ve created dozens of ponds throughout:

  • Central Dorking
  • Westhumble
  • Mickleham
  • Box Hill
  • Westcote
  • Betchworth
  • Brockham
  • Ranmore

Ask your neighbors – chances are we’ve created a pond nearby.

BALI Accredited Expertise

Professionally accredited by the British Association of Landscape Industries:

✓ Proven technical competence
✓ Full public liability insurance
✓ Industry-recognized expertise
✓ 50+ successful Surrey ponds since 2018

Wildlife-First Philosophy

Every design decision prioritizes wildlife:

  • Native plants exclusively
  • Chemical-free approach
  • Graduated depths for different species
  • Wildlife-sensitive timing
  • 12-month aftercare support

Frequently Asked Questions About Wildlife Ponds in Dorking

Will Box Hill's chalk soil affect my pond?

Chalk drains exceptionally well and is perfect for pond construction. We use robust underlayment to protect from flints and select plants suited to alkaline conditions native to the North Downs.

Can you work with difficult access in Dorking?

Yes. We’ve completed dozens of projects with challenging access – Victorian terraces, hillside gardens, narrow passages. We plan logistics carefully and have equipment for restricted access.

How do slopes affect installation?

Slopes are an opportunity! We create terraced ponds, cascades, and streams. During consultation, we assess slope and design accordingly.

Do I need planning permission in Mole Valley?

Most garden ponds don’t need permission, but we verify requirements for AONB areas, listed buildings, and protected trees. We handle any necessary applications.

What wildlife will my Dorking pond attract?

Common frogs, toads, smooth newts, grass snakes (especially near Box Hill), southern hawker dragonflies, emerald damselflies, and visiting birds including woodpeckers.

Can you restore my old pond?

Yes. We’ve restored dozens of failing ponds throughout Dorking, addressing failed liners, siltation, and vegetation issues.

Featured Wildlife Ponds and Water Feature Case Studies in Dorking and surrounding Areas

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Areas We Serve around Dorking

Primary Areas: Central Dorking • Westhumble • Mickleham • Box Hill • Westcote • Betchworth • Brockham • South Holmwood • Chart Downs • Ranmore • Deepdene

Extended Area: Abinger • Holmbury St Mary • Coldharbour • Ockley • Capel • Newdigate • Leigh • Buckland • and surrounding villages

Begin Your Wildlife Water Garden Journey

Ready to create a water feature that supports Surrey's wildlife while enhancing your outdoor space? Let Wild by Design transform your garden into a haven for nature.

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