The recall of the wild
Here’s how to lure creatures back to your garden
GARDEN Wildlife Week (June 6 – 12) is a good time to think about the smaller creatures that share our outdoor spaces – lurking under rocks, in woodpiles or flying about from flower to flower.
Our gardens are important ecosystems and there’s plenty you can do to help garden wildlife thrive. Here are some ways in which you can encourage more wildlife into your garden.
Plant wildflowers
Flower beds are great, but letting a small portion of your garden grow wild will do wonders for all sorts of insects. And a healthy population of insects attracts birds and bats.
If you don’t have a lot of space, try planting a container with wildflower seeds. There are plenty of seeds to choose from in the shops, or simply collect them from flower seedheads you see while on a walk.
Let it grow
No Mow May may be over but letting your grass grow long can be beneficial to wildlife. Try mowing less frequently or leave a small patch of grass uncut to encourage pollinators and creatures such as grasshoppers and crickets.
Avoid harmful chemicals or try composting to make your garden as environmentally friendly as possible.
Feed the birds
If you’d like to attract more birds into your garden, why not install a feeder? There are plenty of types to choose from, so do your research first.
Some birds like hanging feeders, others prefer to eat from a flat surface such as a table or the ground.
Different birds will like different foods – sunflower hearts, niger seeds, peanuts and fat balls are all readily available in the shops.
Make sure you don’t overload your feeders though, as food can go mouldy or attract rodents such a rats and mice.
Water water everywhere
Some well-placed containers of water offer an oasis for all sorts of creatures, especially in the summer. A small saucer or birdbath works well. If you place the saucer on the floor, include a ramp so animals can get out if they fall in.
Gimme shelter
Wooden hedgehog houses and toad abodes made from upturned plant pots (check online for the how-to) can fit in well in large gardens. You could also see if there might be a good place to put a bird box (be mindful of local cats!).
Bug hotels are great for gardens of any size and there are lots of tutorials online to help you make your own.
■ To learn more about how you can help wildlife in your garden go to rhs.org.uk/wildlife/in-gardens