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Before you build a pond, you need to ask yourself some questions.

-What is the purpose of the pond? It is to be purely decorative? Is its main aim to keep fish? Would you like to build a pond to encourage more wildlife into your garden - frogs and newts maybe?

-You'll then need to pay consideration to various factors - where is it going to be placed? You don't want it filling up with leaves from overhanging trees after all... If you're looking to grow plants in the pond, will they prefer full sun or shade - you might have a choice of building it in the shade of a house for example, or maybe you don't have a choice. In this case the plants you grow will be dictated by the circumstances.

-How deep will the pond need to be? Do you want to dig it with different levels - maybe one for sitting plants on and another deeper one that fish may enjoy as a habitat? Or will you be happy with just a basic bowl-shaped pond?

-What is your soil content like in your area? If it's very stony you might need to consider a thicker liner. Once the pond is full of water there will be a lot of pressure on the liner so the last thing you want is for it to get punctured by a sharp flint for example.

Once you've considered all these factors you're ready for the next stage. As tempting as it may be, don't skimp on the preparation. This is the most important part of your project. Have a good think about why you want a pond, what its aim is, and plan for the future. Remember, as the years progress the pond will develop - more creatures will discover it and plants will grow. The environment around it will most likely change too - trees will become larger and what may have started out as a pond in a sunny spot may find itself in the shade in a few years time. Take all these things into consideration and you'll be well on your way to a successful and satisfying project that will give you years of enjoyment.

Resources:
These are links to other sites all with good advice you'll find helpful if you're building a garden pond.