How We Helped Restore a Sentimental Garden Pond for a Family in Dereham

28 May

At ABBCO, every pond tells a story — and sometimes, it’s deeply personal. This spring, we had the privilege of helping an elderly woman in Norfolk restore a garden pond built decades ago by her late husband. More than just a water feature, it was a memory-filled centrepiece of her garden, cherished and tended to for years.

She had recently become concerned about water loss in the pond. So worried, in fact, that she started reducing her own daily water usage around the house — just to make sure she had enough to top up the pond. It was a quiet, touching reminder of how much this space meant to her.

Here’s how we approached this sentimental and sensitive pond restoration project, step by step:

Step 1: Free Consultation and Assessment

We started with a free on-site consultation, listening carefully to the client’s concerns and learning about the pond’s history and importance. Our first priority was to rule out common causes such as natural evaporation and ensure there were no visible leaks in the filtration system or pipework. We conducted a full inspection and formulated a gentle, minimally invasive plan that respected the original build.

Step 2: Draining the Pond and Safe Fish Handling

Once the plan was agreed upon, we returned to drain the pond carefully. All potted aquatic plants were removed and kept safe, while the fish were transferred to a dedicated holding tank fitted with oxygenation equipment to ensure their health and safety throughout the process.

Step 3: Removing Silt and Inspecting the Liner

With the pond drained, we removed the built-up silt from the base and pressure washed the liner. This allowed us to carry out a thorough inspection of the pond liner, looking for cracks, punctures, or signs of wear that may have developed over the years.

Step 4: Locating and Repairing the Leaks

We located multiple small holes in the liner, which we carefully marked with a paint pen. Following ABBCO’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), we developed a repair plan that allowed us to patch the liner effectively — avoiding a full relining or structural rebuild. This not only preserved the original work her husband had done, but also saved her thousands in unnecessary reconstruction costs.

Step 5: Returning the Fish and Finishing Touches

After completing the repairs and confirming the pond was watertight, we returned the fish to their restored home and replanted the aquatic plants, ensuring the pond ecosystem was rebalanced and ready to thrive again.

The Result: A Revived Pond and a Happy Client

By the end of the project, the pond was holding water perfectly, and the fish were back swimming happily. Most importantly, the client was able to enjoy her garden again — relieved, grateful, and moved that her husband’s work had been preserved rather than replaced.

This restoration wasn’t just about fixing a leak. It was about honouring a memory, respecting the past, and making sure something beautiful could continue into the future.

Is Your Pond Leaking or in Need of Repair?

Whether your pond is brand new or decades old, ABBCO offers expert pond restoration services across Norfolk and beyond. From leak detection and liner repairs to full relining, filtration upgrades, and wildlife-safe solutions, we’re here to help bring your water feature back to life — with care, respect, and experience.

Get in touch for a free consultation today and let us take care of your pond as if it were our own.