2. Create a garden pond- this will provide drinking water for a number of animals. They also provide home for a whole range of aquatic plants and animals including frogs and damselflies. Compost heaps also provide winter homes for amphibians.
3. Don’t be too tidy- leave piles of dead wood to decompose naturally. A log pile in a corner of the garden can provide shelter for frogs and lots of other wildlife.
4. Plant wildlife friendly plants- flowers that are rich in nectar provide food for bees and butterflies, and berry bearing shrubs and trees provide food for birds. Plant a hedgerow instead of building a fence.
5. Create a wildflower meadow. The flowers provide nectar. The long grass provides cover for a whole range of animals (ladybirds, caterpillars, grasshoppers).
6. Feed the birds- it’s good to feed the birds all year round, for energy in cold weather and energy in the breeding season.
7. Put up bird boxes, bat boxes and insect boxes- give animals a helping hand by providing them with homes. Even an upturned plant pot can provide a much needed home.
8. Compost your garden waste- use your waste to produce a natural fertiliser for your garden. If you are feeling adventurous get a wormery to help the composting process.
9. Collect rainwater- water your garden with natural rainwater, to avoid wasting drinking water.
10. Don’t use chemicals – chemicals can be harmful to the environment and animals. Wildlife gardening will encourage natural predators such as frogs that eat slugs.
For further information visit:
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BBC Breathing Places has some brilliant ideas for rolling up your sleeves and making your very own place for nature- right on your doorstep. |
BBC Breathing Places- Do One Thing for Nature
http://www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces/doonething/
RSPB - A-Z of a Wildlife Garden
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/wildlifegarden/
SNH - Garden for Life
http://www.snh.org.uk/about/initiatives/g4l/
Scottish Wildlife Trust - Wildlife In Your Garden
http://www.swt.org.uk/wildlife/wildlife-in-your-garden/