Create large water features
Larger water features support more species; where larger features are not possible, include small features that can act as stepping stones and breeding sites.
Water Features
Image credits: Hector Arguello Canals, Unsplash
Small urban water features such as ponds, wetlands, small fountains, and pools can be components of many urban greenspaces. When properly designed, water features can provide a unique amenity for both people and wildlife.
Biodiversity role:
Impacts to hydrology and water quality limit the biodiversity of most urban water features, but these features can still support many wildlife species, and provide an important source of freshwater for all wildlife in the landscape. Even fountains can support invertebrate communities and provide an important resource for birds.
Human health role:
Water features have numerous health benefits including supporting park visitation, cooling, physical activity, and mental health. Water features are associated with bonding to place and support positive emotion and mental restoration.
Key tensions and tradeoffs:
Stationary urban water bodies have the potential to promote disease vectors and toxin-producing algae blooms. Some elements of ornamental water features that create human enjoyment may not support biodiversity. Water features at sites with the potential for the greatest human benefit are likely to have lower habitat and water quality, and may function as ecological traps.
