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.
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:
One well-designed pond in Dorking connects to this wider North Downs ecosystem, creating vital stepping stones for wildlife.
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
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
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.
Perfect for Dorking town terraces and cottage gardens. Recent projects in central Dorking and Westcote.
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.
For rural properties around Ranmore and Betchworth. Can include cascades, bog gardens, and extensive native landscaping.
Many older Dorking properties have failing ponds. We’ve successfully restored ponds throughout the area, addressing:
Just want a pond added to your existing garden? No problem. We provide:
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
We’ve created dozens of ponds throughout:
Ask your neighbors – chances are we’ve created a pond nearby.
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
Every design decision prioritizes wildlife:
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.
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.
Slopes are an opportunity! We create terraced ponds, cascades, and streams. During consultation, we assess slope and design accordingly.
Most garden ponds don’t need permission, but we verify requirements for AONB areas, listed buildings, and protected trees. We handle any necessary applications.
Common frogs, toads, smooth newts, grass snakes (especially near Box Hill), southern hawker dragonflies, emerald damselflies, and visiting birds including woodpeckers.
Yes. We’ve restored dozens of failing ponds throughout Dorking, addressing failed liners, siltation, and vegetation issues.
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
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.
Trusted by over 100 homeowners in Surrey and surrounding areas since 2018
Garden Design in Sussex | Garden Design in Surrey
Serving East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire
Unit 3, Havenbury Estate, Station Rd, Dorking RH4 1ES
