Inviting wildlife into your garden is surprisingly easy and doesn’t cost a fortune. With our top tips you’ll have families of birds, mammals and bugs, enjoying your garden in no time.
Bird/nesting boxes
Bird boxes will encourage birds to breed in your garden but the types of birds you see will depend entirely on the type of box you introduce to your garden. When putting up nesting boxes you should ensure they’re sheltered and protected from the elements. Summer is always a good time to add them to your garden because it’s warm and it means they’ll be well established ready for the breeding season in spring.
Trees
Crab apple, conifers, silver birch and other native trees will help attract insects, squirrels and birds into your garden. Trees provide a great nesting space for birds and squirrels but if you have space in your garden for a few trees then you’ll drawer a wider range of wildlife to a new woodland habitat.
Top tip: if you love bats and you’d like to see them in your garden, a willow tree is your best bet.
Hedges
Hedges and shrubbery are very popular with many different forms of wildlife as they provide great nesting spaces. In the winter, you’ll probably find a hedgehog or two have set up home too as the hedge will provide them with shelter and warmth. Popular hedge plants include privet, hazel and hawthorn.
As well as hedges, climbers are also exceptionally popular for increasing the insect population in your garden too.
Wild flowers
Think wild meadow and you’ll be well on your way to a garden filled with butterflies and bees. Butterflies love buddlea and bees prefer open flowers like bluebells, foxgloves and crocus.
Wilderness
If you can, leave a patch of grass to grow into a wild lawn. This will attract small meadow creatures like voles and shrews. Consider building the area up with a rockery and dead wood to encourage grubs and beetles which will draw in foragers too.
Bird feeder
The old fashioned bird feeder was invented for a reason – it really does work. You can get the traditional tree hanging style or you could opt for one that sticks to a window and gives you a close up view of the birds that are feeding. If you’re concerned about squirrels stealing the nuts, don’t be. The majority of modern designs are squirrel-proof, but if you’re unsure this range from Really Wild Birdfood Co. is great.
Bird bath
As well as a food source, a water source is a great idea too. A bird bath provides just that, a water source and a place for the birds to clean up too. Ensure water is always available by preventing freezing in winter. Avoid the chemical de-icers though, simply pour boiling water over the table each morning and it should be good to go for the day.
If you have any other top tips for attracting wildlife, be sure to get in touch. We can’t wait to hear your suggestions.
