Nice Ponds is a pond construction, refurbishment and maintenance company based in Sheffield, and covers Sheffield, Manchester and surrounding areas.
I have always had a passion for ponds for as long as I can remember. This interest started out with trying to find frogs in my garden and making my first ponds out of plant pots and wooden barrels. As I got older I began to dig larger ponds, each time learning how I could make them bigger and better, and incorporate waterfalls and other aspects. My keen interest in nature and the natural environment then led me to study Ecology and Environment at the University of Liverpool, where I would further my understanding of the science and biological processes that are at play in ponds and other aquatic environments.
Upon graduating I decided I wanted to use my understanding of the natural environment and a love of working outdoors to set up a pond construction company. I knew from the start that I wanted to be the best at what I do, which led me to travel up and down the country to work with Chelsea medal winners and some of the best pond builders in the UK. This drive for success then led me to travel across to America to learn from the very best in the industry, and bring back some of their revolutionary techniques to the UK.
I have always been a ‘creative type’ and studied Graphic Arts and Design at University in Leeds. For my final project I chose to focus on sustainability and environmental awareness. The project involved ‘Magnet Fishing’ for discarded metal objects found in waterways, rivers and streams around Sheffield and Leeds, and I found I really enjoyed the hands on elements. I documented the trip by Photographing various places and objects which I then used to create a publication, and sculptures from the objects themselves.
After University I knew I wanted to continue using my creative flare whilst helping the environment. After a chance meeting with Matt, I learnt more about his company and I was curious to join him on some projects to find out more. Working with Matt I quickly realised just how much creativity and design went into the construction of his ponds and water features and I could see just how much they would benefit the environment. After completing my first project, I knew that NicePonds ticked all the boxes. I joined the company in June 2019 and have enjoyed learning about the Ecosystem approach to constructing ponds and water features and I am excited to further my training in the USA!
Here at NicePonds our goal is to show people just what beautiful landscapes are possible in their garden.
BSC Ecology and Enviroment
Click to find out more
Click to find out more
Click to find out more
Here at NicePonds we specialise in creating Naturalistic ponds that aim to replicate Nature. Our Pond packages are designed and tailor made to suit your garden or landscape. Our Ponds not only look like they are part of a natural environment but also aim to function like a natural ecosystem. Streams and waterfalls can be incorporated into these designs, as well as a range of other features such as fountains, lighting, planting etc. The possibilities are endless. A common misconception is that we only build ponds during the warmer months, however the autumn and winter months are often an ideal time to have a water feature installed. This is due to that fact that the work is carried out when you would be spending less time in your garden, and your feature will be ready for you to enjoy once spring and summer come along. We also often have a number of discounts available during the winter months.
One of the most common services we provide is pond refurbishment. There are a number of reasons why a pond may need refurbishment, but whatever the reason, NicePonds will aim to the find the best way to rejuvenate your pond.
We offer a wide range of pond maintenance services, starting from filter and pump check-ups, right up to full drain and cleans. We can provide either one off service calls or you can sign up to one of our regular pond maintenance packages. The main package that we offer is a seasonal service where you will receive four visits a year, one for each season.
This package includes:
If necessary we can provide monthly maintenance packages, or whatever number of visits best suits you and your pond. The more visits you receive a year the better value our packages become.
Click to find out more
Click to find out more
Click to find out more
Another one of our popular services is the addition of waterfalls and streams onto existing features. Is your pond perhaps missing the sound of running water or missing a bit of interest? If so then a waterfall or stream could be the perfect addition to your pond.
One of our favourite water features is the Pondless/Disappearing Waterfall. It is essentially the perfect water feature as it is child friendly, almost zero maintenance, and you get the sound and beauty of a waterfall in your garden. The Pondless Waterfall can be easily incorporated into almost any garden, and is an ideal feature for a front garden.
If space is limited, or perhaps you fancy something a bit different. NicePonds can install a wide array of different water features that could be incorporated almost anywhere in your garden.
I was first inspired to have a garden water feature after seeing the 'Yorkshire Garden' at the RHS Chelsea flower show, in particular the flowing brook. This is what Matt delivered, on schedule and on budget. Arriving promptly everyday and working hard on what was one of the hottest weeks of the summer. Lovely plants were added to enhance the natural look. Seeing and listening to the moving water is exactly as I’d hoped. The day Matt finished he cleared up and left everything tidy and returned the following day to check there was no problems with the waterfall. Thank you very much for creating such a wonderful waterfall, I love it. Amanda I was first inspired to have a garden water feature after seeing the 'Yorkshire Garden' at the RHS Chelsea flower show, in particular the flowing brook. This is what Matt delivered, on schedule and on budget. Arriving promptly everyday and working hard on what was one of the hottest weeks of the summer. Lovely plants were added to enhance the natural look. Seeing and listening to the moving water is exactly as I’d hoped. The day Matt finished he cleared up and left everything tidy and returned the following day to check there was no problems with the waterfall. Thank you very much for creating such a wonderful waterfall, I love it. Amanda
Nice Ponds recently gave our very neglected pond a good clean out. Matt worked very hard to ensure a thorough job was done and we are very pleased with the result. He really knew what was best for our pond and even spent extra hours catching a very mischievous fish for us. Matt has been back to check the pond is up and running twice since the clean. Would highly recommend this excellent service. 5 stars. Nice Ponds recently gave our very neglected pond a good clean out. Matt worked very hard to ensure a thorough job was done and we are very pleased with the result. He really knew what was best for our pond and even spent extra hours catching a very mischievous fish for us. Matt has been back to check the pond is up and running twice since the clean. Would highly recommend this excellent service. 5 stars.
The children and staff at MerseyDrive Primary school were delighted by the service provided by Nice Ponds. Matt helped transform our pond into a learning resource which we can now use as part of our curriculum. He professionally cleaned out our pond and much to the children’s delight we now have a nice home for the frogs. We would have no hesitation recommending Nice Ponds to other schools. Thank you! The children and staff at MerseyDrive Primary school were delighted by the service provided by Nice Ponds. Matt helped transform our pond into a learning resource which we can now use as part of our curriculum. He professionally cleaned out our pond and much to the children’s delight we now have a nice home for the frogs. We would have no hesitation recommending Nice Ponds to other schools. Thank you!
First of all, we are really pleased with Matt’s work. He is both skilled and creative He used stones and logs from our garden to great effect making the pond appear more natural in its setting. His work is very good. Second, we should say that Matt is efficient and responsive. He responded promptly to our first e-contact. He explained what he planned. He came at the agreed and suitable times. We have no hesitation in recommending him and his work. First of all, we are really pleased with Matt’s work. He is both skilled and creative He used stones and logs from our garden to great effect making the pond appear more natural in its setting. His work is very good. Second, we should say that Matt is efficient and responsive. He responded promptly to our first e-contact. He explained what he planned. He came at the agreed and suitable times. We have no hesitation in recommending him and his work.
Hi Matt Just wanted to thank you for your great work on redesigning our Pond. From being a murky, lopsided, untidy and very uninteresting place to sit near you have completely transformed it. It is now clear, level and a very enticing place to sit and enjoy a glass or two of wine. We can now see deep into the pond and see the fish zipping about happily (they asked me to say a big thank you to you). You were correct to advise us that we should have a Pump and Filter. It has made such a difference, amazing us at the speed in which it cleared the pond (just a couple of days).It is also so easy to clean. We are all really happy. Kind regards John and Jenny and the fish. Hi Matt Just wanted to thank you for your great work on redesigning our Pond. From being a murky, lopsided, untidy and very uninteresting place to sit near you have completely transformed it. It is now clear, level and a very enticing place to sit and enjoy a glass or two of wine. We can now see deep into the pond and see the fish zipping about happily (they asked me to say a big thank you to you). You were correct to advise us that we should have a Pump and Filter. It has made such a difference, amazing us at the speed in which it cleared the pond (just a couple of days).It is also so easy to clean. We are all really happy. Kind regards John and Jenny and the fish.
Matt built a waterfall into our existing pond earlier this year. He did a fantastic job on what was quite a tricky project. He is very capable, friendly and has a great eye for design. We love the end result, the sound of running water adds to the garden, plus it keeps the water clear. The birds love their new Jacuzzi too. Follow up advice and support has been excellent too. Thank you Matt. Matt built a waterfall into our existing pond earlier this year. He did a fantastic job on what was quite a tricky project. He is very capable, friendly and has a great eye for design. We love the end result, the sound of running water adds to the garden, plus it keeps the water clear. The birds love their new Jacuzzi too. Follow up advice and support has been excellent too. Thank you Matt.
Matt and Joe, of NicePonds, have constructed this beautiful water feature in my garden. My spec was for something very natural looking with falling water and small pools for the birds and widlife to enjoy. It was also important for me to enjoy the sound of running water when out in my garden. Matt did even better than that and created a delightful, falling stream which I can hear indoors when my windows are open! It is so relaxing to hear and see. As you can see from the photograph, it is perfect, it could be a stream in the peak district. Matt and Joe worked creatively, they grew the proejct on site. Great attention to detail was paid and they left the site spick and span. They are two nice young gentlemen, a pleasure to have around. I would like to say a special thank you to Matt and Joe for a job well done and I highly recommend them. Matt and Joe, of NicePonds, have constructed this beautiful water feature in my garden. My spec was for something very natural looking with falling water and small pools for the birds and widlife to enjoy. It was also important for me to enjoy the sound of running water when out in my garden. Matt did even better than that and created a delightful, falling stream which I can hear indoors when my windows are open! It is so relaxing to hear and see. As you can see from the photograph, it is perfect, it could be a stream in the peak district. Matt and Joe worked creatively, they grew the proejct on site. Great attention to detail was paid and they left the site spick and span. They are two nice young gentlemen, a pleasure to have around. I would like to say a special thank you to Matt and Joe for a job well done and I highly recommend them.