The countryside has changed dramatically in the last fifty years and many populations of wild plants and animals are now in serious decline. But across the country there are vast areas of land where tiny nature reserves are making all the difference. Go on, join in, and make at least part of your garden a place for wildlife. Even if you don’t have a garden, growing wild plants in pots or window boxes and putting out bird feeders can really help to support nature in your area.
Here are some top tips for wildlife gardeners.
Variety is the spice of life
Offer a range of different types of 'habitats' e.g. trees, hedges, native wildflower borders, flowery meadows, ponds, marshes, drystone walls and gravel areas etc. The greater the variety of environments the greater the variety of wildlife you will attract. You can dramatically increase the amount of wildlife in your garden by building a pond.
Go Native
Recent research is showing that you don't have to grow native plants to attract wildlife as many ornamental plants are just as good at providing nectar, shelter and food.
But if you do want to recreate your own bit of the English Countryside look out for a recognised wild flower, bulb or seed merchant. You don't for instance want to plant Spanish Bluebell, which is threatening our native English Bluebell or bulbs which may have been taken illegally from the wild! It is also against the law to take wild plants from the countryside to grow in your garden without the permission of the owner. And conversely plants bought for the garden should not scattered in the wild in case native populations are effected.
Born to be Wild
Don't be too tidy minded. Leave some areas of long grass, piles of leaves and logs for insects, frogs and small mammals such as voles to shelter under. Create a small wild area where climbing shrubs can get established. Brambles support many insects and butterflies and provide food for birds and small mammals. Even nettles are marvellous for the adult red admiral, small tortoiseshell, peacock and comma butterflies to lay their eggs on.
Dead vegetation is a vital ingredient in the wildlife garden. Leave a pile of logs to rot down. This will attract insects and fascinating fungi. These in turn will attract frogs and toads, wildflowers, mosses and ferns. If it is adjacent to a well kept area of your garden your wild area will look deliberate, even artistic and not just unkempt!
Feed (and Water) the Birds (and the Butterflies)
Grow native trees, shrubs and flowers which will provide seeds and berries as a source of food for birds.
Supplementary feeding is now encouraged all year around. Once you have started feeding birds don’t suddenly stop as harm may be done. Some birds will feed from feeders while some prefer the ground or bird tables. Ensure that the birds are safe from cats by, for example, placing a plastic drain pipe around the leg of your bird table.
Peanuts are the cheapest food but other nuts can be used. Ensure the peanuts are from a reputable source as the fungus found on some is poisonous. Also make sure that they are offered behind a mesh so that they can not be fed to baby birds. Black sunflower seeds are a favourite. Old bin lids make ideal bird baths if you don’t have a pond.
The majority of butterflies feed on nectar. Create areas of flowers from Spring to late Autumn which are in full sunshine and are sheltered from the wind.
Build us a home
Birds, mammals and insects need places to make their own. Birds for example need cover in trees and shrubs to nest and roost. You can also put your DIY skills to good use by having a go at building bird nest boxes, bat boxes and even homes for hedgehogs and bumblebees. Most wildlife gardening books will give you designs for these. Never disturb nesting mammals or birds once they have moved in to their new homes.
Go organic
It goes without saying that pesticides work by killing living things and are best avoided. Slug pellets for example can kill birds and hedgehogs. Also try using your own compost or well rotted manure etc. instead of chemical fertilisers. Organic fertilisers are thought to be much better for the micro-organisms and insects living in the soil. Use peat free composts as the extraction of peat in the countryside is damaging our world important areas of bog.
Enjoy
Keep a record of what you see and hear in your garden. Most important of all, find time to relax in your garden and enjoy it.
For more information on wildlife gardening see the websites below.