But What Exactly Is a Pond Biggs would approve this attitude. His study of ponds has shown him how conventional human perceptions of what a pond should be, or ought to look like, have led to a number of myths and misconceptions. Hard to have those two in harmony really. It is the same with garden ponds, which tend to be overstocked with fish and fed with tap water loaded with an excess of nutrients. These are not ideal wildlife habitats either.
Appearance is another problem.
We like to see a sheet of water, with reflections. A few centimeters of water is where most aquatic plants and animals live. The bid to halt the loss and degradation of British ponds is partly concerned with changing people's preconceptions. Ponds under trees, for instance, are often said to be undesirable. Ponds that dry up seasonally for large parts of the year need better press, too.