Introducing wildlife into the garden
4 simple ways to attract wildlife into your garden
We’re always looking for ways to help our environment. Often, even small changes can make a tangible difference. Our garden is a good place to start. There are some easy ways to make your garden more attractive to wildlife. And who wouldn’t like to see more birds, bees, insects and animals around?
Step 1: choose wildlife-friendly plants
The range of plants to choose from is enormous, so I won’t list them all here. But there are some easy rules to follow.
- Go native. Plant native hedges such as Dog Rose or Dogwood. They provide food for caterpillars and butterflies and hedges that produce berries (such as Pyracantha or Hawthorn) are great for birds, providing much-needed food during winter.
- Look for night-scented plants such as Buddleja. They provide food for night insects which, in turn, are food for bats.
- Think shape. Add flowers with large openings as they’re more accessible for bumble bees. For example, Foxgloves have an open bell-shape which is easy for bees to crawl into.
- Bees love nectar-rich flowers and plants such as Comfrey and Ivy make a good addition to your mix of wildlife-friendly planting.
Step 2: make wildlife feel at home
Natural habitats are becoming scarcer for wildlife sadly. You can play your part in creating a home for creatures in your back garden.
- Put up a bird box to provide a nesting space. Remember to position bird boxes out of direct sunlight, facing in a north-easterly direction. And choose the nest box carefully. Different birds have different needs. Small birds may use a nest box as an alternative to a hole in a tree (especially if trees aren’t available). But you could also house birds like an owl or swift, and they will need bigger places to call home. Find our more from the RSPB
- Make a pile of sand or soil for solitary bees to nest in. Choose a warm, sheltered position in the garden.
- Build a bug hotel out of old pallets, tiles and plant pots. Many shop-bought ones aren’t actually fit for purpose, so it’s good to reuse existing materials and make your own. Garden Ninja shows you how to build a bug hotel
Step 3: monitor your sightings
This is the fun bit. Sit back and watch the wildlife in your garden. But it’s important to document your sightings too.
- There are simple ways to save your sightings. You’ll find lots of websites and apps to document the butterflies, birds, bees that you see. Check out the Big Butterfly Count or the RSPB’s wildlife survey
- Not sure what’s what? You’ll find plenty of free material online to identify insects, birds, butterflies and more. Take a look at this autumn wildlife pack to get you started.
Step 4: provide year-round support for wildlife
Wildlife needs different help throughout the year. Think shelter in autumn and winter, water in summer and an array of food each season.
- Plan plants to provide year-round food for insects and wildlife. Flowers aren’t just for spring and summer. Include some plants that will provide food in autumn and winter too.
- Providing food for birds in winter can literally save their lives. Offer them nuts, seeds, fat balls and kitchen scraps along with water. Remember to break the ice when it’s super cold.
- Don’t forget hibernating animals and insects. Piles of leaves, logs or decaying twigs make ideal spots for hibernation. But don’t tidy them away or make them into a bonfire!
- Store bee houses in sheds over winter. That will protect bees from the harshest of elements whilst still ensuring they are well-ventilated.
There are many more things that you can do to support wildlife in your area. I hope these 4 simple suggestions help to get you started. Follow me on insta for more ideas.
Get inspiration from this sustainable garden that I designed to increase biodiversity and encourage wildlife.
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