Grown, packed and trusted on our farm — not just another bag of straw
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£11.95
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Farm-grown barley straw in mesh sacks for gradual pond-algae management. Suitable for pond owners using it alongside normal care. Choose the sack size and follow placement instructions, allowing time rather than expecting instant water clearing.
Pick your pond size — we’ve matched the right amount for you - Small (3 bags) For ponds approx. 6–10m² Large (3 bags) For ponds approx. 20–50m²
For larger ponds — properly sized so you don’t under-treat, No measuring, no guesswork — just choose your pond size and drop it in, Best added in spring or early summer, before algae starts to build up. Grown and packed on our Herefordshire farm
Quantity
What our customers say
★★★★★ “The straw is working well at clearing the algae and weed in our pond.” — Jean G.
✔ In Stock for Next-Day Delivery ✔ 60 Day No Quibble Returns
The Wiggly Guarantee
If something’s not right, we’ll put it right.
For non-perishable products, you have 60 days to try them and return them if they’re not right for you. If live worms, mealworms or other perishables arrive in poor condition, let us know straight away and we’ll sort it. Real people. Proper help. No fuss.
Make pond care part of the seasonal garden routine
A pond responds to what happens around it as well as what you put into it. Check it as the weather changes, keep nutrient inputs under control and use the right supporting measures before small problems turn into a whole-pond job.
Green water can take over quickly — this is the simple, natural way to keep it under control.
Our barley straw is grown right here on our Herefordshire farm and packed into easy-to-use mesh sacks, sized properly for real ponds. As it slowly breaks down in the water, it releases natural compounds that help keep algae in check, supporting clearer, healthier pond conditions without chemicals.
No imports, no mystery sourcing — just proper, farm-grown barley straw that works quietly in the background. Place it in your pond and let nature do the rest.
From seed to straw: grown, harvested and baled on our Herefordshire farm so you get premium barley straw that’s effective, natural and British-sourced.
Say goodbye to clouded water and nasty chemicals. Our barley straw is a simple, sustainable way to help your pond stay clearer and healthier. Grown right here at Lower Blakemere Farm, it’s free from additives and is fully wildlife-safe. Place it in your pond and let nature do the tough work — as the straw slowly decomposes it releases substances that help inhibit new algae growth and balance your ecosystem. Unlike many off-the-shelf solutions, you’re getting home-grown barley straw from field to bale.
Improves water clarity and health: Reduces risks of green water- and filamentous algae by balancing nutrients and providing oxygenated decomposition.
Wildlife-safe & chemical-free: Safe for fish, plants, frogs, birds and all pond life.
Locally grown, sustainably produced: Sown, grown, harvested, baled and packed on our farm — full control, full transparency.
Easy to use & cost-effective: Rather than expensive chemical treatments or filters, this is a low-tech, long-lasting solution.
Dual benefit: While helping your pond, you also support British farming and reduce transport carbon by buying local.
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Supporting British Farming
Rated Platinum on Judge.me
★★★★★ Excellent service from such lovely people! The birds are very happy with their British-grown seed, and my composting worms are happy too. What more could you ask for? 🐦🪱 Anne.S
At Lower Blakemere Farm we’ve cultivated barley not just for grain, but for the straw’s beneficial after-life in ponds. The process: we sow the crop, grow it with regenerative practices, harvest, dry and bale it, then pack it for our customers. This means every bale has a traceable journey and high quality — no herbicide-heavy, imported waste straw here.
Once placed in your pond (preferably early in the season), the straw begins to break down in water under sunlight and oxygen. Research shows that barley straw doesn’t kill algae but rather inhibits new growth — it’s algistatic, not algicidal.
Why this matters: Many ponds suffer from excess nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) and lack of flow/oxygen. The straw helps address both by creating conditions less favourable for algae and more favourable for beneficial plants and pond life.
Where to use it:
Garden or koi ponds where water tends to turn green or string algae appear.
New pond builds where you want prevention rather than cure.
Wildlife ponds where chemical treatments aren’t suitable.
With filtration systems, aerators or in still water — the key is oxygen and light. 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
Important caveats:
Not an instant fix: effectiveness often begins 2-8 weeks after placement, especially in cold water.
Doesn’t replace mechanical removal of existing dense algae mats — best used preventatively.
Over-loading can reduce oxygen in the pond if straw soaks and decays too quickly.
“I placed the bale in April, and by June the water was visibly clearer and the fish seemed more active. Really pleased with this UK-grown option.” — Verified customer
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.
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
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.
🌱 From Dirt to Living Soil
We’re regenerating our farm from the roots up. Every order you place helps bring back healthy soil, thriving wildlife, and renewed hope.
★★★★★ Gardening brings nature and you together in harmony, and it all starts with the soil! Look after that well and everything else follows. That’s why Wiggly Wigglers makes so much sense to me: composting, worms, feeding the birds and working with nature. It’s the whole picture.” Terry Walton 🐦🪱
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.
Wiggly Wigglers Delivery Information
Standard Delivery (£4.95)
2-5 working days.
Mainland Britain.
Royal Mail or Parcelforce.
Next Day Delivery (£7.95) – Mainland Britain Only
If you need a guaranteed Next Day delivery then please choose the Next Day delivery option. Please note there are no deliveries on Saturdays, Sundays or Bank Holidays. You must order before 3pm for your order to be sent to arrive the following working day. If you order after 3pm then your order will be shipped on the next working day.
Delivery Charges for Remote Areas
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 £4.95. 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 £10.95
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 life, 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.
We’re here to help. Check through our frequently asked questions, and feel free to email wiggly@wigglywigglers.co.uk or send a chat message if there’s anything we haven’t covered.
Available on loads of wiggly favourites! You will save up to 10%, and in the true spirit of Wigglyness there is no sign-up fee, no obligations, and you can cancel your subscription at any time with absolutely no hassle.
Brilliant live worms and great service!
I ordered a batch of live composting worms for my new wormery, and they arrived in perfect condition — lively, healthy, and ready to get to work straight away. The packaging was eco-friendly, and the team even included a little guide on how to settle them in. My kitchen scraps are disappearing fast, and I’ve already started harvesting my first bit of worm compost. Couldn’t be happier!
Sarah M.
Fantastic bokashi composting advice
As a complete beginner to bokashi composting, I really appreciated how helpful the team were. They answered all my questions quickly and gave me simple, clear instructions to get started. The bokashi bran is top quality and smells fresh and pleasant. After just a few weeks, I’ve turned my kitchen waste into brilliant compost-ready material with no odour or mess. Highly recommended!
James T.
Top-notch British birdseed mix
The British birdseed from Wigglys is superb. It attracts a lovely variety of garden birds — robins, finches, and even a pair of goldfinches have started visiting regularly. You can tell it’s a quality mix with no fillers or dust. Delivery was quick, and everything was packaged sustainably. It’s become my go-to source for bird feed!
Amazing is the only word. My goldfish pond had been badly affected by green growth over the normal plants in the water. It was a serious mess. I was given the bags and they have transformed the situation - in about eight weeks. Hence my new order. Thanks very much.
C
Colleen Johnson
Excellently effective
Even small bags are quite big in a small pond so be aware. Excellently effective mind you. Well done Wiggly Wigglers.
M
Michelle
Barley straw in a hessian sack so no plastic!
Barley straw in a hessian sack so no plastic! Perfect! Doing you job of keeping pond water clean. Excellent service from ordering system and good to know exactly where the product comes from. I have enjoyed watching the videos about your farm too! Thank you
L
Lorna Sealy Nichols
I've tried barley straw before for clearing blanket and chick weed on two pints in the garden
I've tried barley straw before for clearing blanket and chick weed on two pints in the garden. Never worked. This year I started with Wigglywigglers straw just about when both were just showing a little clouding up. The smaller pond I left alone for comparison and the bigger had one bag thrown in. It is beautifully clear still, after about a month, while the other has developed stranding. As the level of sun increases it will be interesting to monitor outcomes especially as I haul out lots of elodia and chop the water lilies too. But a great start.
A
Anonymous
Worked straight away
Worked straight away. Such a fabulous solution. The bags work perfectly to hold the straw with enough sunlight.
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“I’ve always been interested in farming, gardening and food, but Wiggly Wigglers has inspired me to take that interest much further and look at the whole thing in a much more holistic way. I love feeding the birds, making compost and keeping quail, and our Bokashi kit has genuinely revolutionised how we deal with food waste as a family. It’s helped us close so many loops at home – turning what we used to throw away into something useful. Once you start thinking like that, you see opportunities everywhere.” J O-B
About Wiggly Wigglers
Wiggly Wigglers is the UK’s specialist in composting and bird feeding, offering the largest selection of wormeries, Bokashi kits, composting worms, live mealworms and husk-free birdseed mixes. From our family farm in Herefordshire, we make and supply products that cut food waste, improve soil health and bring more wildlife into your garden – all with sustainability at the heart.
Bringing your garden to life - from the soil up.
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