Wildlife tips for gardeners

A FARMER spoke to members of a gardening society about how he attracts wildlife to his farm.

David Taylor from Pikelow Farm at Marton gave a talk for members of Bollington Horticultural Society.

The group meets regularly to hear talks on a variety of subjects, go on visits and holds a series of annual shows for members to display plants and other items.

Members said that David gave a very interesting talk on how he attracts wildlife to his farm.

Methods he uses include plants to attract insects, pools and wildflower areas, as well as nesting boxes of various sizes to attract birds.

Pauline Pedlar, from the society, said: “He is a keen photographer and a big supporter of the RSPB. He showed some beautiful slides he had taken of the wildlife on his farm.

“David has a garden on the farm, where he grows plants that attract insects. At this time of the year he cleans out the the nesting boxes so that birds can roost in them over the winter.

“He says he puts birdfood in small troughs, as he can take more natural photographs this way. He explained that by encouraging the small birds, this in turn attracts larger birds of prey such as sparrowhawks. Also mice and voles come to eat the bird food so this brings in owls.

“He said he also collects rowan berries and keeps them in the fridge for fieldfares and redwings in the cold winter.

“Recently he has been photographing moths and it was surprising to see just how exotic and colourful many garden moths are.”

The next meeting of is on Thursday, November 19, 7.30pm at Bollington Community Centre when Chris Bright will talk about fuschias.

Members pay £1.50 and non-members £3.