Backyard savannahs

How to bring wildlife to you

Dig a pond: It’s the single best way to encourage birds and beasts to your garden, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (rhs.org.uk). If you don’t have the space, a container full of water will do.

Build a log pile, preferably in a shady spot, to attract insects, amphibians and hedgehogs.

Feed the birds. For a wide selection of British-sourced bird foods, see wigglywigglers.co.uk.

Support squirrels if you live in a red squirrel area. The Birds’ Bistro (birdsbistro.co.uk) has specialist food and feeders.

Let it grow: leaving a small patch of lawn unmowed creates a grassy hotel for wood mice, voles and shrews.