Boosting wildlife in your garden
AS the weather begins its slow progress to more sunshine and less gloom, thoughts turn to the wildlife we see in our gardens each year and the worrying possibility that the years to come might not be quite so plentiful for our animal neighbours.
It’s time to raise awareness for the incredible diversity of wildlife and plants that inhabit the planet. Unfortunately, many beloved creatures are facing population declines, underscoring the urgent need for conservation.
Here are practical steps you can take to make all the difference to the wildlife in your garden.
Bees
Bumblebees, vital pollinators essential to our ecosystems, are under threat, with a concerning number of Europe’s wild bee species at risk of extinction. Factors such as urbanisation, changes in land use, and intensive farming have contributed to the loss of their natural habitats.
You can provide shelter for solitary bees like mason and leafcutter bees by investing in or building your own insect hotel using simple materials like wooden blocks and logs. Placing these shelters in sunny, south-facing locations on walls or fences can greatly support bee conservation efforts.
Plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year to ensure a continuous food source for bees.
Some excellent choices include lavender, foxglove, echinacea, sunflowers, salvia, nepeta and zinnias.
Butterflies
The decline of butterflies, particularly in urban areas, is attributed to habitat loss and climate change. You can help support butterfly populations by installing butterfly hotels in your garden.
These decorative structures, equipped with front openings, provide a welcoming habitat for butterflies. Enhance their new homes by placing sugar solutionsoaked sponges nearby and planting nectar-rich flowers in clusters in your outdoor space.
tip: Create basking spots for butterflies by placing flat stones in sunny areas.
Insects
Insects are crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem in your garden. They play a significant role in pollination, soil health and pest control. By encouraging a diverse range of beneficial insects like ladybirds, hoverflies, lacewings, and beetles, you can create a thriving and sustainable garden. You can do this by providing them with suitable habitats like planting native flowers, shrubs and trees. You can also allow certain areas of your garden to grow wild and undisturbed to serve as nesting sites and shelters for these helpful creatures. This will help them to find refuge from predators, as well as provide them with an abundant food source.
Ladybirds love plants that attract aphids, such as marigolds or cosmos, so plant them near your insect hotel or in containers to provide a food source.
Birds
Encouraging birds to visit your garden is a delightful activity, especially in the UK, since it’s known for its love for birds. You can seek advice from your local British Garden Centres store where they can offer you suggestions on bird feeders and a diverse range of seeds to attract different bird species.
Having access to clean water is also essential for birds, so you can install bird baths with shallow edges to ensure they can drink and bathe comfortably.
Planting fruitbearing trees and shrubs provides natural food sources for birds throughout the year, which can be incredibly beneficial to their well-being.
Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are facing challenges due to habitat destruction, leading to significant declines in their UK population. Help hedgehogs thrive by providing shelter, food, and access between gardens. Create hedgehog houses using simple materials and leave parts of your garden wild to offer them suitable habitats. Offer hedgehogs high-quality cat or dog food with a high meat content as part of their diet, and ensure they always have access to fresh water. Amy Stubbs, project and development manager at British Garden Centres said: “By following these simple yet impactful steps, you can contribute to the conservation of British wildlife and create a thriving ecosystem in your garden. “We have seen a shift in gardening practices that reflects an interest in supporting birds, pollinating insects, invertebrates, and the wildlife that rely on them and our knowledgeable team is always on hand on how to turn your outdoor space into a nature haven.”