I would - always thought silt was highly fertile.

The silt will be full of nutriment and good for the garden but should probably be dug in rather than just spread. It will be a very fine and sticky material which will form a skin over the surface of the garden as it dries out. This will restrict water and air getting into the soil beneath.

Must say, how nice it is to have your own lake :o)

yes brill for the garden but rake/hoe/lightly dig in to incorporate it with the soil.

Thank you all, for your prompt replies.

I have heard that when you are removing stuff from ponds its a good idea to leave it on the edge for a while to allow any little creatures in it to make their way back into the water - unless you are drying it out completely of course.

this is true sterogram . its one of the best things to put in your soil . i actualy water my plants with my pond water and my huge tank water and just top them up and the plants love it . so do the fish as it stops the build up of nasty palutents . cant think of the proper word just now lol . like bulbaholic sais you do need to break it down and dig it in . i wouldnt put to much in one place either if you can help it .