Wildlife-friendly garden
Wildlife pond
Water is vital for any animal to thrive, and even a small wildlife-friendly pond can make a huge difference to the biodiversity of your garden. It doesn’t have to be big – if space is limited, a washing up bowl sunk into the ground or even a shallow dish of water on the ground will help all kinds of species.
Garden spray
Where possible, you should try to keep your garden as natural as you can. Avoid pesticides or insecticides unless you can find organic versions, and try other ways to control weeds such as mulches. The more natural and organic your garden, the more attractive it will be for wildlife.
Wild garden area
Encourage wildlife by leaving an untidy area of your garden. Overgrown grass, piles of leaves and logs can be a great shelter for animals such as amphibians and hedgehogs. This also encourages insects, which are an essential food source for other animals.
Photo by Tom Marshall
Did you know that hedgehog territories can cover vast distances? Encourage them and other animals to visit your garden by cutting a 13cm by 13cm hole in your fence at ground level, to create easy access.
Garden flowers
Native wildflowers are great for wildlife as they flower at the right time of year for our native insects. Consider making a small wild meadow in your garden – perhaps transform an unused corner of your lawn, or even plant a window box or wildflower container if you’re struggling for space.
Garden compost
Recycling garden clippings and scraps from the kitchen is a great way to do your part to reduce the amount of countryside used for landfill, as well as benefiting your garden. They make fab homes and food for various mini beasties and they make excellent soil conditioner to help your plants be bigger, healthier and prettier.
Tit and bird box
Some of the best-known garden visitors are birds. With natural resources becoming fewer and fewer in the countryside, offering a helping hand in your garden is a great way to encourage birds and other wildlife to set up a permanent residence. Nesting boxes, birdbaths and feeders are sure to encourage various birds to return, as are nests and feeders for other bees and beasties.
We’d love to hear your own top tips on gardening for wildlife, and to hear all about the havens for wildlife you may be creating in your own garden at home.
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Our Wild About Garden Awards 2017 is launching April 27th – the scheme is free to enter for anyone who has or is developing a wildlife-friendly garden in Kent.
