Duration: 1 day
Dates:
Start time: 08:30
Finish time: 16:30
An Aquascape Inc. Designer Pond Day is an immersive classroom-style learning experience focused on the art and science of building and maintaining beautiful, natural-looking ecosystem ponds. We are working with TASK Academy to provide this course at their training Academy in South Worcestershire. This course is perfect for designers who want to deepen their understanding of how to create balanced, low-maintenance water features that work with nature rather than against it.
The day typically begins with an introduction to the ecosystem pond philosophy, which is at the heart of Aquascape’s approach. Instead of relying heavily on chemicals or complex mechanical systems, ecosystem ponds use a harmonious blend of rocks, gravel, plants, beneficial bacteria, and circulation to maintain clean, healthy water. Participants learn how each component contributes to a self-sustaining environment where fish, plants, and water coexist naturally.
A major focus of the session is biological filtration. This is explained as the backbone of water clarity and health. Attendees explore how beneficial bacteria colonize surfaces like gravel and filter media, breaking down fish waste and organic debris into less harmful compounds. The nitrogen cycle is often discussed in practical, easy-to-understand terms, helping participants grasp how ammonia is converted into nitrites and then nitrates, which plants can absorb.
Building on this, the course dives into wetland filtration systems, one of the most effective natural filtration methods available. These systems mimic natural wetlands by channelling pond water through a gravel-filled basin densely planted with aquatic vegetation. As water flows slowly through this area, plant roots and bacteria work together to remove excess nutrients, sediment, and impurities. Participants learn how to size, design, and integrate wetland filters into pond systems for maximum efficiency and minimal maintenance.
Another key element of the day is the role of pond plants. The session highlights the different categories—marginal plants, floating plants, submerged oxygenators, and water lilies—and explains how each contributes to the ecosystem. Plants not only enhance visual appeal but also provide shade, reduce algae growth, oxygenate the water, and absorb excess nutrients. Attendees often gain practical knowledge about plant placement, seasonal care, and selecting the right species for different pond zones.
Throughout the day, there is a strong emphasis on design principles. Participants learn how to create ponds that look natural in the landscape, including rock placement, edge treatments, depth variations, and integrating waterfalls or streams. The goal is to achieve a pond that appears as though it has always belonged in its environment.
By the end of an Aquascape Designer Pond Day, attendees typically walk away with a solid understanding of how to design, build, and maintain an ecosystem pond that is both beautiful and sustainable. It’s not just about constructing a water feature—it’s about creating a living, breathing aquatic environment that thrives with minimal intervention.
This is a classroom based course.
Free membership access (worth £50) to The Landscape Library for 6 months, for all course participants once they have attended a TASK Industry Course. This includes access to training resources, articles, features, templates, publications, advice notes, cross section drawings and mentorship. Please email alangsargent@gmail.com once you have attended the course to access your membership.
GOOD TO KNOW
Lunch is not included; we recommend you bring your own packed lunch for the day
You will receive an automated email from our order system to confirm your booking.
One week before the date of the course, you will receive a course confirmation email with further information and course joining instructions, which includes what to bring with you.
There is currently no accommodation available at Lower End Farm for TASK students. There are plenty of local accommodation possibilities; please contact us for a range of options.
Participants are required to have a minimum level 2 in English and Maths.
Min age: 18
LOCATION
Lower End Farm, Lower End, Birlingham, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 3AD
TERMS & CONDITIONS
All bookings for a course or event at TASK are subject to our standard Terms and Conditions.
We look forward to welcoming you to TASK Academy
Duration: 1 day
Dates:
Start time: 08:30
Finish time: 16:30
An Aquascape Inc. Designer Pond Day is an immersive classroom-style learning experience focused on the art and science of building and maintaining beautiful, natural-looking ecosystem ponds. We are working with TASK Academy to provide this course at their training Academy in South Worcestershire. This course is perfect for designers who want to deepen their understanding of how to create balanced, low-maintenance water features that work with nature rather than against it.
The day typically begins with an introduction to the ecosystem pond philosophy, which is at the heart of Aquascape’s approach. Instead of relying heavily on chemicals or complex mechanical systems, ecosystem ponds use a harmonious blend of rocks, gravel, plants, beneficial bacteria, and circulation to maintain clean, healthy water. Participants learn how each component contributes to a self-sustaining environment where fish, plants, and water coexist naturally.
A major focus of the session is biological filtration. This is explained as the backbone of water clarity and health. Attendees explore how beneficial bacteria colonize surfaces like gravel and filter media, breaking down fish waste and organic debris into less harmful compounds. The nitrogen cycle is often discussed in practical, easy-to-understand terms, helping participants grasp how ammonia is converted into nitrites and then nitrates, which plants can absorb.
Building on this, the course dives into wetland filtration systems, one of the most effective natural filtration methods available. These systems mimic natural wetlands by channelling pond water through a gravel-filled basin densely planted with aquatic vegetation. As water flows slowly through this area, plant roots and bacteria work together to remove excess nutrients, sediment, and impurities. Participants learn how to size, design, and integrate wetland filters into pond systems for maximum efficiency and minimal maintenance.
Another key element of the day is the role of pond plants. The session highlights the different categories—marginal plants, floating plants, submerged oxygenators, and water lilies—and explains how each contributes to the ecosystem. Plants not only enhance visual appeal but also provide shade, reduce algae growth, oxygenate the water, and absorb excess nutrients. Attendees often gain practical knowledge about plant placement, seasonal care, and selecting the right species for different pond zones.
Throughout the day, there is a strong emphasis on design principles. Participants learn how to create ponds that look natural in the landscape, including rock placement, edge treatments, depth variations, and integrating waterfalls or streams. The goal is to achieve a pond that appears as though it has always belonged in its environment.
By the end of an Aquascape Designer Pond Day, attendees typically walk away with a solid understanding of how to design, build, and maintain an ecosystem pond that is both beautiful and sustainable. It’s not just about constructing a water feature—it’s about creating a living, breathing aquatic environment that thrives with minimal intervention.
This is a classroom based course.
Free membership access (worth £50) to The Landscape Library for 6 months, for all course participants once they have attended a TASK Industry Course. This includes access to training resources, articles, features, templates, publications, advice notes, cross section drawings and mentorship. Please email alangsargent@gmail.com once you have attended the course to access your membership.
GOOD TO KNOW
Lunch is not included; we recommend you bring your own packed lunch for the day
You will receive an automated email from our order system to confirm your booking.
One week before the date of the course, you will receive a course confirmation email with further information and course joining instructions, which includes what to bring with you.
There is currently no accommodation available at Lower End Farm for TASK students. There are plenty of local accommodation possibilities; please contact us for a range of options.
Participants are required to have a minimum level 2 in English and Maths.
Min age: 18
LOCATION
Lower End Farm, Lower End, Birlingham, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 3AD
TERMS & CONDITIONS
All bookings for a course or event at TASK are subject to our standard Terms and Conditions.
We look forward to welcoming you to TASK Academy
