Nature is often closer than you think. You don't have to go out into a nature reserve to discover wildlife. Our gardens cover an area larger than all of The Wildlife Trusts' nature reserves combined which makes your garden a vitally important place for wildlife.
Go wild in your garden!
Grebe House wildlife garden
Spring is around the corner so it’s a perfect time to be getting on gloves and wellies and heading out into the garden! This year, why don't you turn your garden into a wildlife haven?
Large or small, every garden can be a wildlife haven.
It’s not hard to manage your garden for wildlife, it will make a huge difference for hedgehogs and bats, birds and insects and you’ll be rewarded with a garden that’s teeming with wildlife.
Build a water feature
Garden pond © Anna Williams
A pond – even a small one – will not only keep animals hydrated, but it also provides a habitat for many insects such as pond-skaters or the larvae of dragonflies and damselflies. Consider adding a bird bath too.
Go for the nectar
Wildflowers © Gillian Day
Plant nectar-rich flowers like verbena, scabious or knapweed to attract butterflies and other pollinators into your garden. Try to plant flowers that bloom at different times of the year to keep the supply of nectar going.
Plant native
© Paul Harris/2020VISION
Many gardens are dominated by beautiful yet non-native plants. Consider planting native flowers and plants which have evolved to flourish in this climate and to best support animals that rely on them.
Build a home
© Amy Lewis
Create plenty of hidey holes for different species. Provide a bug hotel for bees, ladybirds and other insects, a nest box for your garden birds to raise their young and maybe even a bat box. Keep pruned branches, twigs and shrubs piled up to create a home for invertebrates.
Create a hedgehog highway
© Tom Marshall
Hedgehogs can travel up to one mile a night, using a whole neighbourhood as their home. Fences and walls obstruct their ability to move freely between gardens and are one of the main reasons for their decline. Help your local hog and create a small hole with a diameter of 10-15cm. Don’t forget to ask your neighbours to do the same!
