How to Heron Proof a Pond (6 Easy Deterrents for 2021)

It is widely accepted that herons are the number one culprit when it comes to missing pond fish. They are genetically engineered to prey on fish after all.  

You may have even seen a heron in action with your own eyes or from the use of a handy CCTV camera.

So, if you are sick and tired of losing your beloved fish then read on as below we aim to teach you how to heron proof your pond so that you can keep your pond fish safe from any hungry herons.  

What is a heron?

First things first what on earth is a Heron? Well, a Heron is just a large bird which can be easily identified by its long legs and neck.

Herons are a freshwater bird which usually live in and around coastal areas but have been known to venture further inland.

They typically hunt on big lakes or rivers and usually nest in trees from as early as February.

There are over 60 recognised heron species but only three are commonly found in the UK, the grey heron, little egret, and bittern heron.

Why do herons eat pond fish?

The diet of a heron is primarily made up of fish and although the natural habitat of heron is on large open lakes or rivers the compact nature of garden ponds makes for a favourable feeding ground, especially for young herons.

In other words, your garden pond is like a big open buffet to a heron hence once you have seen one heron chances are it will become a regular visitor to your pond.

Young herons also find garden ponds an attractive place to practise fishing so not only is your pond viewed as a buffet it also acts as a school in some cases.

With all these benefits a pond brings to a heron it is not surprising they choose to eat your pond fish.

How to heron proof your pond

Herons are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which means you cannot lawfully kill a heron. Therefore, the main way to heron proof your pond would be to install deterrents to make your pond less appealing.

Herons walk into your pond from the edge as opposed to diving in from the sky. Therefore, your deterrents should be aimed at making this more difficult, such as removing any gentle slopes leading into your pond.

Other than deterrents the only sure way to prevent a heron would be to place a net over your pond as this will physically rescript the heron from getting to your fish.

6 heron deterrents

Below are 6 heron deterrents which will help you to heron proof your pond.

1. Pond netting

A pond net is an excellent heron deterrent as it is the only solution which would stop a heron from feasting on your pond.

However, a net could also restrict any other wildlife that use your pond. In addition, a net could potentially make the pond itself look less aesthetically pleasing from a design point of view.

One way to get around any negatives a net could bring would be to leave the net on for a period of time until the heron decides it is no longer worth visiting.

If you decide to go with the net solution, we have a review article around finding the best pond net.

2. Decoy herons

Decoy or plastic herons placed strategically around your garden pond could help to deter a heron by making it seem as if the “feeding ground” is already taken.

On the other hand, herons are a social animal so a fake heron may well have the opposite affect and attract other herons. Therefore, this deterrent is better suited if you have already tried alternatives.

3. Reflectors

Herons are a bird species and like all birds can be easily spooked. Reflectors such as glass or mirrors can cause the sun light to be reflected at a heron and thus spooking it.

In addition, reflectors could look like a set of preying eyes to a heron and causing the heron to be spooked or alarmed.

4. Water spray

Herons prefer clear and calm water so that the fish are easier to see and catch. By causing water spray (such as from a fountain or waterfall) it can obscure the view below the surface of the water thus making the fish harder to see.

Furthermore, equipment such as a pond pump will also create bubbles which can again make the fish more difficult to see.

In addition, a pump or a fountain will also add additional oxygen into your pond which is good for your fish and helps to prevent the build-up of algae.

5. Pond plants

Pond plants not only help increase the biodiversity of your pond, but they also have the same affect as the water spray by making your fish harder to spot by a heron.

Pond plants effectively provide camouflage for your fish by offering them a safe cover to hide under.

6. Steep slopes

Steep slopes are a deterrent for a heron as they make getting in and out of your pond more difficult. As previously mentioned, herons walk into your pond as opposed to flying in so by creating steep slopes it makes a heron more reluctant to fish there.

Combine steep slopes with shrubs or plants around the edge and you will create a space which is not appealing to a heron as they prefer open space so that they are able to see dangers coming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, herons are not the only animal who prey on your pond fish, but they are certainly a common culprit due to their diet requirements and increasing populations in the UK.

You can heron proof your pond in many ways by implementing a few deterrents mentioned above, such as reflectors or steep slopes.

However, the only guaranteed way to heron proof your pond is by covering the surface with a net, as this will physically prevent a heron from getting to your fish.