With the increasing concern over biodiversity loss, many are turning to their own outdoor spaces to help save wildlife. A wildlife garden can provide a safe haven for a range of animals, from bees to birds and even hedgehogs! It is a great way to do your bit for nature and to encourage your garden to thrive and become more beautiful than ever. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the steps to create a wildlife garden that is both beautiful and beneficial.
Step 1: The Plants
The best way to attract wildlife to your garden is with the right kind of plants. Native plants that provide nectar, pollen and seeds are perfect for most creatures. Flowers such as lavender, marigolds, and cornflowers all provide nectar for bees and butterflies. Berry-bearing shrubs such as holly, rowan, and hawthorn will attract birds. Native wildflowers like oxeye daisies, knapweed, and cowslips are perfect for insects.
Step 2: The Water Feature
A water feature doesn’t have to be massive, but it is an excellent way to attract wildlife to your garden. A pond, stream or small container pond will provide an essential source of water for many creatures. Frogs and toads will lay their eggs in a pond, and dragonflies will hunt over the surface of the water. A simple bird bath will suffice for birds, and even hedgehogs will drink from it too.
Step 3: The Hiding Places
Wildlife needs places to hide and establish territory. A pile of logs in a shady corner will provide a home for insects and small mammals like hedgehogs and mice. A bird box on a tree or attached to a wall will provide a year-round home for birds. A bug hotel is another fun way to provide a home for a wide variety of insects.
Step 4: The Habitats
Different species of wildlife need different types of habitats to survive, depending on their diet and behaviour. To attract pollinators, plant flowers in beds and borders. To attract birds, plant dense shrubs and trees. To attract hedgehogs and other insects, create a wild area in your garden filled with weeds, long grass, and fallen leaves. Different habitats will attract and provide food for different species, and this will create a diverse and thriving wildlife garden.
Step 5: The Maintenance
Once your garden is thriving with wildlife, you’ll need to maintain it carefully. Keep on top of weeds and cut back dead growth to prevent disease from spreading. Allow some plants to go to seed, as this will provide a valuable source of food for birds. Top up the water feature regularly and make sure the bird bath is clean. If you have a pond, clean it out regularly and steer clear of using chemicals.
Creating a wildlife garden in your outdoor space needn’t be complicated, and it can benefit both you and the creatures that call your garden home. Once you have followed these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy watching the wildlife that comes to visit. You’ll also create a beautiful, thriving garden that will bring pleasure for years to come. Join the movement to protect nature by creating your very own wildlife haven in your garden.