This guide seeks to give inspiration on what to do with ponds as a productive source of interest. It is backed by practical guidance on how to create the right environments for different projects and how to manage a pond to the greatest all-round advantage - not just for commercial gain, but also for ecological reasons or simply for the pleasure of having a garden pond. The topics covered include pond history - monastery stewponds and village duckponds - followed by instructions on how to create ponds and the basic equipment needed. For the more ambitious, ponds as a feature in parks, nature centres and sporting venues are described. The book is designed to be used by those wishing to create both large and small ponds. There are ideas on the types of plants suitable both for ornamental purposes and for selling. The natural wildlife is discussed with suggestions on how waterfowl can be encouraged, together with ideas on income and marketing techniques. Fish farming with freshwater fish such as trout, carp, shellfish, crayfish, ornamentals and angling stock is also covered. Valerie Porter is also the author of "The Complete Book of Ferrets", "Keeping a Cow" and "The Guinness Book of Dogs".