Create a Nature Haven to Attract Wildlife to your Garden

 

This springtime is proving to have the perfect conditions for wildlife to thrive. The quiet roads mean that our wild neighbours are feeling braver than normal, keen to take advantage of the peace and reclaim the spaces that were previously inhabited by humans. The early spring warmth has set life in motion with an array of flora popping to life bringing colour in abundance!

 

Getting closer to nature has proven benefits for the body & mind so make a safe haven in your garden to encourage the wildlife in. These activities are great fun for all ages so get your whole family involved – including those who are isolating elsewhere – as there is no better subject for you to share across the generations!

 

Here are just some of the things you can do to encourage birds, insects and animals into your garden giving you an opportunity to get your binoculars out for a closer look or grab your for some stunning shots or even setup with a tripod and create a time lapse video!

 

Go WILD.

Give yourself a break and create a wild corner in your garden by simply letting the grass & weeds grow! This makes a haven for many plants and insects including butterflies & wild flowers.

 

DIG in… some climbers

Climbers provide great cover for insects and birds as well as a good source of food and pollen. Consider planting ivy, clematis & rose – all of which are excellent climbers for wildlife.

 

BUILD a bug hotel

Bugs like nothing more than relaxing in a pile of rocks, twigs and rotting wood with nooks and crannies to nest and provide a place to shelter from predators. You can use any scraps you find in the garden from broken pots to old bamboo canes and for those who really want to build a 5 star bug resort a stack of pallets stuffed with twigs, bricks, pipes, straw and fir cones is a bug paradise!

 

Make a SPLASH

Ponds provide a welcomed boost to wildlife in your garden. From a buried bucket to a more extravagant feature a pond will attract all sorts of wildlife to your back garden. Avoid letting the water stagnate by creating a natural flow, adding water lilies, placing in a dappled spot and by refreshing water with collected rainwater.

Backyard BIRDS

A bird box will provide safety for small birds in your garden. In springtime, give your birds a treat with fatty balls of feed made from kitchen waste, cheese & oats. These are great fun to make and all the birds will be booking a spot at your table! Don’t forget a little birdbath too – especially on the hot days!