Build borders

Wooden fences might be easier to erect than hedges but investing in a natural border for your garden will pay dividends for the resident wildlife.

“Hedges are better than wood – they’re going to support more life,” says Chris.

“They take a while to grow and need a lot more maintenance than a fence, so you’ve got to be thinking about whether you are going to be able to make that investment, look after it, trim it and shape it.

“But if you put a fence up instead, it’s a good place to hang bird feeders and bird boxes, as long as cats can’t get to them.

“Also, make sure you cut a hole in the bottom of the fence for hedgehogs to get through – or a bigger hole to help the local foxes and badgers.”