About Us

NEB Waterscapes was founded by Mr N E Butler (Nicholas) in June 2001. Nicholas became interested in aquatics and pond construction from an early age of 7 when he lined a small hole in the garden with a bin bag. The small pond gave birth to an abundance of wildlife that fuelled his interest.

With his parents help Nicholas helped to build the first proper garden pond in 1988. The pond was only small and was lined with blue plastic. This pond was large enough to support fish. Some neighbours donated a few goldfish and two small common carp from Chidham Lake. Frogs were a common sight in the pond and Nicholas took spawn from the pond to increase population numbers in the area. Tadpoles were fed on nettle powder and rabbit liver until all four legs were developed and they could be released.

In 1992, Nicholas decided that a larger pond was required to accommodate growing fish and plant stocks. The plastic liner had begun to decay with the sunlight. His parents were not too happy about losing the last patch of grass they had left so to convince them he dug up the entire lawn while they were having an Easter lie in. When they surveyed the scene his parents were surprised but they were encouraged by his enthusiasm and agreed that a large pond would be a vast improvement and would make the mowing chore redundant.

Having completed his GCSE’s, Nicholas decided to go with his friends to Havant College and study 'A' levels. One year later and not happy with what he was doing, Nicholas decided to leave the college. Nicholas’s mother, Jan, had heard about a National Diploma in Aquatics and Ornamental Fish Course at Sparsholt College near Winchester. Nicholas applied for the course and was accepted and began the course in September 1997. Jane Lloyd, Bernice Brewster and Craig Baldwin who are all renowned experts in their fields taught him. During the course work experience at Beaver Water Plant & Fish Farm, Maidenhead Aquatics, Chichester and Inland Waterscapes gave Nicholas an insight into the aquatics industry and the range of opportunities available.

In July 1999 Nicholas qualified with Merit and went to work for Maidenhead Aquatics in Chichester. He learnt about dealing with customers and built up his knowledge on aquatic products and all aquarium fish types.

In June 2000 Nicholas went to work for Inland Waterscapes where he had enjoyed work experience being part of the team who built the small lake at Mamhead House near Exeter. This company had Anthony Archer Wills as their consultant and Nicholas soon picked up on his constructional methods and has developed them further since leaving the company in June 2001.

In the first four years of trading, NEB Waterscapes has undertaken many projects of different scales. Ponds are designed to order with specifications to match existing products on the market as well as one off high spec ponds and filtration systems.

NEB Waterscapes also have experience of all aspects of hard landscaping and garden construction including lawns, raised borders, walling, patios, paths, fencing and block driveways, using professional produced and personal designs. He prefers to leave planting design to the customer but advises/ supplies water and bog plants as required.

NEB Waterscapes also offers a maintenance contract for any pond large or small and will repair/ advise on damaged ponds.

Nicholas is now hoping to undertake larger projects such as small lakes and river construction in large gardens and offers free estimates and advice to all customers.