Algae overgrowth can be detrimental to pond ecosystems in several ways:
- Depletes Oxygen: Excessive algae consume oxygen, especially at night, which can lead to oxygen depletion, harming wildlife, fish and other aquatic life.
- Blocks Sunlight: Thick algal blooms can block sunlight, hindering the growth of aquatic plants which are crucial for a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
- Aesthetic Impact: High levels of algae can make ponds look horrid and can be very smelly.
When barley straw decomposes in water, it slowly releases compounds that inhibit the growth of new algae without harming other plants or aquatic life. This process is gradual and works best as a preventative measure rather than a quick fix. The exact chemical reactions involve the production of low levels of hydrogen peroxide naturally during decomposition, which is harmful to algae but safe for other organisms in controlled quantities.
At Wiggly Wigglers, we use hessian bags instead of plastic for several reasons:
- Biodegradable: Hessian is a natural fibre that decomposes, leaving no harmful residues in the environment.
- Sustainable: Using hessian supports our commitment to sustainable practices, reducing plastic waste.
- Efficient Delivery: Hessian bags allow water to flow through the barley straw for optimal release of algae-preventing agents.
When to Add Barley Straw
- Spring: Introduce barley straw in early spring as temperatures start to rise and before algae growth begins.
- Preventatively: It’s best used as a preventative measure rather than to treat already infested ponds.
- Use approximately 10 – 25 grams of straw per square metre of pond area. Practically if you have a small garden pond (under 2m x 2m) us one small bag of straw and replace every 8 - 12 weeks or so through Spring and Summer and if you have a large garden pond (around 6m x 3) use one large bag of barley straw and replace every 8 - 12 weeks. If you have a really large garden pond add 2-3 bags and review.
- Ideal Timing: Early spring, as temperatures begin to rise, to prevent the onset of algae blooms.
- Ongoing Management: Add new straw every 8-12 weeks during warm weather and every few months during colder weather.
Wiggly’s barley straw is supplied in hessian bags (ready to go) and is grown and harvested on our regenerative farm in Herefordshire.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Shipping Information
Our standard delivery charge is £3.95
(Next Day delivery is £5.95)
*GB mainland only and other exclusions apply. Please see below for full details.
| Area | Standard Delivery | Royal Mail (Live Orders) | Next Working Day Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland UK (excludes highlands) | £3.95 | £3.95 | £5.95 |
| Falkirk, Aberdeen Perth Kirkwall Paisley and Inverness Areas (not islands), Isle of Man and Isle of Wight | £14.95 | £3.95 | N/A |
| For Scottish Islands, Outer Hebrides, Kilmarnock area, Paisley area, Chanel Islands and Northern Ireland | £19.95 | £3.95 | N/A |
All our orders are now despatched from our farm here in Herefordshire and so we’ve made a few changes. We will always despatch orders as soon as possible, but we do offer a next day delivery service (some restrictions apply) for those urgent orders.
Wiggly Standard Delivery (3 - 5 day delivery) £3.95 within mainland Britain
If you don't mind when your order arrives... (within reason of course) Choose standard delivery and we will despatch your order with the best option for us. This may be APC Overnight, DPD or Royal Mail. You need to allow 2 - 5 days for delivery, and we can post to anywhere in mainland Britain. See below if you are in Highlands and Islands.
Next Week Day delivery for £5.95 to mainland Britain
If you need a guaranteed Next Day delivery then please choose the Next Day delivery option. If you order on a Friday then the delivery will be with you on the following Monday. Please note there are no deliveries on Saturdays, Sundays or Bank Holidays. You must order before 1pm for your order to be sent to arrive the following working day. If you order after 1pm then your order will be shipped on the next working day.
Important - Highlands and Islands
IF your order contains JUST live worms and is under 2 kilos - whether that’s composting worms, wax worms or mealworms you will have the option in the checkout to choose standard delivery at £3.95. This is because we can use Royal Mail for this service. Otherwise you will see the extra cost options for a courier to deliver your package – please note there is no guaranteed next day service to these areas so please allow extra time and track your package for information.
For Falkirk, Aberdeen Perth Kirkwall Paisley and Inverness Areas (not islands), Isle of Man and Isle of Wight the charge is £14.95
Postcodes:
AB37-38 AB41-56 FK 17-21 IV1- 40 IV52-54 IV63 KW1-14 PA21-40 PA80 PH15-50 IM1-9 IM86-87 IM99 PO30-41)
For Scottish Islands, Outer Hebrides, Kilmarnock area, Paisley area, Chanel Islands and Northern Ireland the charge is £19.95
Postcodes:
HS1-9 IV41-56 KA27-28 KW15-17 PA20 PA41-78 PH42-44 ZE1-3 BT1-99 JE1-5 GY1-10)
REFUNDS POLICY
Damaged or Faulty Goods
In the unlikely event that you receive an item that is damaged or faulty, we can offer a full refund within 60 days of the customer receiving the order. We simply require photographic evidence of the damaged/faulty item with tracking number within 7 days.
To return a damaged or faulty item is free of charge, please contact wiggly@wigglywigglers.co.uk with your name, address & order number and our customer service team will advise on the easiest way to send.
Once the item has been received and inspected by our customer care team, you will be notified that a refund has been issued and feel free to order the item again from our website.
In the case of LIVE WORMS these can’t be returned so in the unlikely event that they have arrived damaged please take a photo on the same day and send that photo straight away to our team wiggly@wigglywigglers.co.uk with a description of what the problem is and ensure you include your name, address and order number.
Once the photograph and description has been looked over by our customer care team they will get back to you to advise or issue a replacement or refund.
Returning an Order
Sometimes it just doesn’t work out. We get that. If you’ve changed your mind and want to cancel your order, we ask that you contact our sales team and return the item in its original packaging within 60 days to:
Wiggly Wigglers Lower Blakemere Farm, Blakemere, Herefordshire HR2 9PX
Unfortunately, we aren’t able to cover the cost of returning unwanted items, so the postage cost of returning these items is the responsibility of the customer. Please ensure that you obtain proof of posting as items being returned are the responsibility of the customer until the items reach our farm.
Once the item has been received and inspected by our customer care team, you will be notified that your refund has been issued. Please note the item must be returned with the original packaging, as new, unused, and free of defects.
Of course if you cancel your order before the items are shipped out a refund will be issued right away.
Please email us at wiggly@wigglywigglers.co.uk if you need any further information.
How much Barley Straw?
We recommend about 10 to 25 grams of straw per square meter of pond area.
When should I apply the Barley Straw to my pond?
You can add barley straw to your pond all year round, but the most important factor is the temperature, in the summer months when the temperature of the water is above 20°C the process is faster compared to the winter months when the water temperature is below 10°C. Once the straw starts to decompose and release its natural chemicals, you should replace it in around 8 weeks.
The Wiggly Story: Bringing Your Garden to Life.
Nestled in the heart of rural Herefordshire, within The Duchy of Cornwall estate lies Lower Blakemere Farm – the cherished home of Wiggly Wigglers and founder, Heather Gorringe. From its humble beginnings on Heather’s kitchen table over 30 years ago, our small but dedicated team is working hard on a legacy of sustainability and regeneration. Our farm isn’t merely a plot of land; it’s a dynamic hub where we’re aiming to balance food production with biodiversity and since we started our regenerative journey there’s a real focus on improving soil health and sustainability. Beyond our own endeavours, we’re passionate about sharing best practices and developing products designed to Bring your Garden to life.
The Wiggly Promise
At Wiggly Wigglers, it’s not just about sales (though we appreciate your orders and support for the farm!).
We’re here to offer a range of sustainable solutions that add fun to composting, boost biodiversity, and make bring your home and garden to live, whilst making the world just a little bit greener.
- Trusted: We’ve been here for over 30 years, with over 100,000 orders shipped.
- Try our products: We have a risk free 60 Day No Quibble Returns policy.
- Great Value: Buy Direct - we grow, mix, pack and ship direct from our farm in Herefordshire.
