Branches in mini wildlife pond?

Hi:)
My daughter and I lovewildlife ponds and so this morning I added a third one in a whiskey barrel pond liner. Normally I add a lot of rocks on the side for little critters to get out if they need to but am wondering about a branch instead. Because of mosquitoes we do add fish to our little ponds so the branch would have to be nontoxic for them. My questions are: Have any of you used branches for this purpose? If so , how does it work and can I use a recently pruned one … I have a certain pomegranate in mind…
Because the newest pond is made out of plastic I was more concerned about rocks puncturing.. they probably won’t but it did get me thinking about a branch instead.. also our dragonfly’s and birds  might enjoy a perch..
Thanks!

Kimberly, you pond looks inviting! What is that adorable plant in the photo?

Thanks Angela:)
The plant in the bucket is water hyacinth and the one surrounding the bucket is rosemary.