How to help wildlife at school
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Whether feeding the birds, or sowing a wildflower patch, setting up wildlife areas in your school makes for happier, healthier and more creative children.
In spring, birds begin to choose the best places to build nests and raise their young. If you’re lucky, one of these spots may well be in a tree, hedge or bush in your garden. As they set-up home, it’s best to try to disturb them as little as possible, and even give them a helping hand along the way!
Top tips for helping nesting birds:
- Plant a mix of native trees, hedges and large shrubs in your garden to provide shelter and safe perches for birds.
- Avoid disturbing any critters you have in your garden by trimming your hedges and shrubs in autumn and not spring.
- Prepare your garden for migratory birds in spring by setting a bird-feeding station, complete with a bowl of water. Different types of food and perches or hangers will attract different species: find out more about how to feed the birds in your garden.
- Try to keep cats and dogs away from nesting birds. If possible, provide tall trees or hard-to-reach bushes for birds to safely settle in.
Suggested plants:
- Blackthorn - Prunus spinosa
- Common Beech - Fagus sylvatica
- Common Hawthorn - Crataegus monogyna
- Crab Apple - Malus sylvestris
- Field Maple - Acer campestre
- Guelder Rose - Viburnum opulus
- Hazel - Corylus avellana
- Holly - Ilex aquifolium
- Ivy - Hedera helix
- Rowan - Sorbus aucuparia
- Silver Birch - Betula pendula
- Spindle - Euonymus europaeus
More ways you can help wildlife
How to create a container garden for wildlife
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Pots and containers are a great way of introducing wildlife features onto patios, or outside the front door. They are also perfect for small gardens or spaces like window ledges or roofs. Herbs, in particular, make good container plants and attract lots…
Send a 'letter to the Editor'
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Sending letters 'to the Editor' of local newspapers is another great way to speak up for wildife.
How to build a mini stone wall
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Learn a tradition with its roots in the Iron Age and build your own mini dry stone wall to attract wildlife.
How to help wildlife at work
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Attracting wildlife to your work will help improve their environment – and yours!
How to attract butterflies to your garden
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Provide food for caterpillars and choose nectar-rich plants for butterflies and you’ll have a colourful, fluttering display in your garden for many months.