Bringing birds to your garden

Make your patch of green a mini wildlife sanctuary… TURN YOUR GARDEN WILD…

Our gardens have been a haven for us over the past year but why not help the planet thrive by learning how to make them a haven for birds and bees, too...

BIRDS Feeders are a good starting point

Position carefully. They need to be in a quiet, high spot – so cats can’t prowl – and protected from wind. Between refills, wash thoroughly to prevent bacteria, which can lead to diseases.

Don’t forget water

This is particularly important during cold snaps or hot draughts. You don’t need anything fancy; a plate or bowl will do. Just remember to keep it clean and add fresh water daily.

What about nests?

It’s illegal to move or destroy nests while they’re in use, so leave them be. You can buy nest boxes – sizes and entrance holes vary. The RSPB recommend a minimum 25mm for blue tits, while starlings require 45mm. Place nest boxes for tits, starlings or sparrows two to four metres high on a tree or wall with a clear flight path.

BEES Plan your plants

The key to attracting bees lies in what flowers you choose to grow. They love lavender, which, once planted and established in its first year, becomes very low maintenance, requiring little watering. Later Winter and early Spring, plants that get a buzz (ahem) include bluebells and crocuses. Don’t forget herbs, either. Easy to grow, resilient options include mint, rosemary and sage.

Weed wisely

Before you blitz your garden, consider this - some weeds are very attractive to bees. One example is green alkanet, a blue flowering weed, which has stubborn roots but if cut away regularly (use gloves, as the leaves are spiky) and kept to a small patch, can prove a refuge for these creatures. A general rule of thumb is that anything colourful and aromatic will attract wildlife.