Nature’s little HELPERS
From frog shelters to bird tables, how we can do our bit to care for...
GARDENING clubs aren’t known for their bad-tempered clashes, but a few years ago I was giving a talk to one when a member of the audience took umbrage at my suggestion that we should do more to help wildlife. His noisy interjection was that wild creatures were a nuisance, frustrating attempts at keeping his plot pristine.
Once I’d had a chance to digest his bizarre outburst, I took some time to explain why ‘troublesome’ birds, insects and mammals are actually good for our gardens. Apart from making it clear that many insects aid pollination, I mentioned that watching wildlife is good for our wellbeing and helps us connect to nature.
Of course, many creatures are powerful allies in the battle against pests. If I’d had the statistics to hand, I’d have pointed out to my contrary friend that a pair of adult blue tits will gather over 10,000
Many of our garden creatures are powerful allies against pests
caterpillars for their young, while a single seven-spot ladybird will eat 5,000 aphids in the course of its year-long lifespan.
I’ll never know whether my impassioned defence of wildlife gardening made the slightest bit of difference, but my attitude hasn’t wavered one bit. So, before anyone reading this bites my ear off, I’m going to recommend that every garden owner does all they can to turn their space into a sanctuary for beneficial creatures.
Late autumn/early winter is the perfect time to give your garden a wildlife upgrade. The conditions are ideal for planting trees, shrubs and perennials that will provide food and cover, while any habitats you install will soon become occupied by creatures looking to hunker down in colder weather.
As well as adding new features, it’s a good idea to make a few changes to the way you garden. Ditching pesticides, turning a blind eye to some weeds and taking a more relaxed approach to the way the garden is maintained will all make a big difference to the number of creatures that visit regularly or even decide to stay.
In the wild, frogs, toads, beetles and hedgehogs like to shelter in piles of rotting logs. Mimic their habitats by carefully arranging some old branches together in a shady spot, such as under a tree or behind the shed. A mound of large stones will make a good hiding place for insects, beetles and other smaller creatures.
Another option is to mount a purpose-built bug box on a wall. Some are designed to attract specific creatures (such as lacewings and mason bees), but a generic one will accommodate a range of guests. These typically consist of a wooden frame filled with things like bark, pieces of bamboo cane and pine cones.
A water feature is essential to draw an assortment of visitors. Those with plenty of room could build a bog garden or pond, making sure it has shallow sides to allow access in and out. If you’re strapped for space, go for a bubble fountain, wall-mounted fountain or even a container pond filled with diminutive aquatic plants.
Birds are vulnerable during a cold snap, when it becomes hard for them to find their natural foodstuffs. A sure-fire way of helping them to survive is to put a feeding device in place. A traditional bird table will be popular with a wide range of species, while hanging feeders are preferred by blue tits, great tits and greenfinches. Avoid filling them with cheap food. A good-quality, general seed mix containing sunflower hearts will appeal to a broad range of birds.
Robins like mixes that include mealworms, and blackbirds, starlings and thrushes flock to those containing fruit or suet. Small birds prefer mixes with chopped-up ingredients.
Selecting the right plants will turn your garden into a mecca for wildlife. Birds have a soft spot for berry-bearing trees and shrubs, along with perennials with longlasting seed heads.
A wildlife hedge composed of species such as hawthorn, spindle and blackthorn will provide food and shelter for a wide range of creatures.
Bees and other pollinating insects love plants with flowers rich in nectar. Honeysuckle, lavender and hebe are summer favourites, while aster, dahlia and salvia are popular in autumn.
Mahonia and crocus are among the best winter plants, and daphne, primrose and pulmonaria are a good source of food in spring.
Taking a more relaxed approach to the appearance of your plot will make it more welcoming to wildlife. Leave some windfall fruit on the lawn and ignore the odd weed.
Rather than chopping them down, it’s best to let perennials with attractive seed heads die back naturally. Apart from providing food, many have hollow stems that make a snug place for insects to shelter.