Creating my own natural swimming pond has taught me the intricacies of designing such water bodies professionally.
A Natural Oasis in South Yorkshire: The Ellicar Garden's Swimming Pond
In the heart of South Yorkshire, Sarah Murch and her family have created a unique haven - a natural swimming pond seamlessly integrated into a five-acre garden. This wildlife-focused pool, spanning 300 square metres, is more than just a swimming spot; it's a testament to nature's beauty and a sustainable approach to gardening [1].
A Garden Designed for Nature
The Ellicar garden is a symphony of diverse habitats, including woodland, perennial meadows, gravel gardens, and a grand formal rose garden. The swimming pond, situated southwest of the house, captures the last rays of sun and aligns with prevailing southwesterly winds, enhancing its natural function and enjoyment [1].
Key design features include a soil profile that supports diverse planting, with fenland soil over clay and a 2m sand layer. This layout considers sunlight patterns, creating visual interest with planted avenues catching morning and evening light. Plant species such as Malus 'Evereste' crab apples, Molinia caerulea 'Edith Dudszus', Iris 'Flight of Butterflies', geums, Anemone x hybrida 'Honorine Jobert', Digitalis purpurea, and various Lythrum salicaria cultivars are found in the perennial meadows [1].
A Balance Between Nature and Maintenance
The garden and pond are designed to be largely self-sustaining, with minimal year-round intervention. The emphasis is on encouraging wildlife and natural processes rather than a highly manicured environment. Planting is adapted dynamically, letting nature "morph" and allowing self-seeding to shape the landscape, reducing the need for constant maintenance [1].
A Unique Swimming Experience
The family, keen swimmers, enjoy the tranquillity of the pond, which is filtered naturally by the plants in the water. The beach area has a 200mm sand layer where children can play and dig. Views from the dining table, located to the side of the pool's sun deck, offer a unique vantage point to see pond life on the surface [1].
Resources for Inspiration
For more detailed insight, Ellicar’s website (ellicar.co.uk) and Sarah Murch’s design tips (including videos demonstrating pond characteristics and maintenance) offer valuable resources [1][3]. The rise of natural swimming pools in the UK is documented, highlighting growing interest in such sustainable water features post-pandemic [4][5].
The garden flows out from a network of connected paths, with each different part segueing into another. Islands of prairie planting along the side of the pool serve as a barrier to keep the water clean and catch leaf debris. A shelter belt of 300 trees, including Pinus wallichiana and Abies sibirica, is sited to filter the prevailing wind [1].
Water mint (Mentha aquatica) grows in abundance along the edge of the pool, adding a refreshing aroma to the surroundings. An old millstone that belonged to Sarah’s grandfather sits by the water’s edge, a cherished reminder of the past [1].
[1] Ellicar Garden, Sarah Murch, www.ellicar.co.uk [2] Natural Swimming Ponds, Sarah Murch, www.sarahmurch.co.uk [3] The Guardian, Natural swimming pools: the rise of the eco-friendly plunge pool, www.theguardian.com [4] The Telegraph, The rise of the natural swimming pool, www.telegraph.co.uk [5] BBC, Natural swimming pools: the eco-friendly way to cool off, www.bbc.com
- The unique garden at Ellicar, with its various habitats like woodland, perennial meadows, gravel gardens, and a formal rose garden, is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature and gardening.
- The plants in the five-acre garden, such as Malus 'Evereste' crab apples, Molinia caerulea 'Edith Dudszus', and Iris 'Flight of Butterflies, contribute to the landscape's visual interest and promote a sustainable approach to gardening.
- The family at Ellicar enjoys a tranquil swimming experience in the pool's clear waters, which are filtered naturally by the plants, and they appreciate the unique views of pond life from their dining table.
- For individuals interested in creating their natural swimming pond or sustainable garden, valuable resources can be found on Sarah Murch's website and Ellicar’s official site, offering insights and design tips.
