Step-by-Step Guide
Wiggly’s barley straw is supplied in hessian bags (ready to go) and is grown and harvested on our regenerative farm in Herefordshire.

1. Secure the Bags: Anchor the bags with a stone or other natural weight to keep them submerged but close to the water’s surface for optimal exposure to oxygen, which is necessary for the decomposition process.
2. Placement: Submerge the hessian bags in the pond. Place them near areas with good water circulation if you can but ensure they are not completely buried in silt or hidden under overhanging edges where water flow is minimal.
3. Monitor and Maintain: Check the bags periodically. While the straw is effective for about six months, its longevity can vary based on pond conditions and temperatures so you may have to replace more often (8-12 weeks) in the Summer months

How much to use:

3 small sacks of barley straw approx 150g in each sack for a pond 6-10m²
3 large sacks of app 500g in each sack for a pond 20-50m²

After ~4-6 months replace the straw or move it out — the active phase ends once decomposition advances.

Our barley is grown on the same land that our cows, pigs and crops rotate through. After harvest we dry and select straw specifically for pond use — low seed-content, free of mould, clean and well-baled. We pack on-farm, send direct, and maintain full traceability. You’re not buying generic imported straw — you’re buying British farm quality.

Barley straw’s effectiveness lies in decomposition under oxygen and sunlight, releasing naturally occurring compounds (possibly peroxides and phenolics) that slow algae reproduction. While full mechanisms remain under study, field trials in the UK have shown measurable improvements in water clarity and reduced algal growth. By using this method you’re avoiding chemical algaecides, reducing nutrient loads and supporting ecosystem balance.

In ecological terms, you are:

• Helping reduce blooms that deplete oxygen overnight and damage fish.
• Supporting aquatic plants to compete more effectively with algae.
• Engaging in sustainable pond management practices that align with wildlife and regenerative farming.

Keep it working:

• Remove any dead leaves or excessive organic debris from the pond before placing the straw — cleaner water means better effect.
• Monitor oxygenation — ensure some flow or aeration so the straw acts aerobically.
• Replace or refresh straw every season or when decomposition is obvious (dark, sludgy).

FAQs

• Does it work for existing algae mats? Not directly — it's preventative and inhibits new growth. You’ll need manual removal or alternative methods for dense mats.
• Is it safe for fish, plants and wildlife? Yes — barley straw is widely used and considered safe in aquaculture.
• Can I use other types of straw? Studies show wheat or rye are less effective than barley.
• How soon will I see results? Expect 2-8 weeks depending on water temperature; warmer water speeds it up.
  Wiggly Tips:
• Use our fresh, clean straw with minimal seed heads (less risk of germination or mess).
• Place near filter outflow for maximum circulation.
• Tie the bale in netting to ease later removal.
• Combine with aquatic plants like water-lilies or oxygenators — together they reduce nutrient load and improve clarity.
• Keep a log of when you applied and when you’ll replace — routine helps consistency.

Product Specs

• Material: British-grown barley straw, clean, and packed in hessian sacks at Lower Blakemere Farm)
• Usage: Garden ponds, koi ponds, water features, wildlife ponds
• Application rate: Approx. 10-25 g straw per m² of surface area (garden scale)
• Shelf-life: Dry storage; effectiveness begins once in water under light and oxygen.
• Origin: UK farm-packed, free from additives and harvested to quality control.