The amount of wildlife we share our world with is outstanding, but unfortunately, the number of plants and animals on our doorsteps is declining at a rapid rate. Urbanisation and a growing human population are reducing the amount of space and food available for our native wildlife, which is making it harder for them to survive and grow. It’s said that almost 87% of UK households own a garden and these outdoor spaces will cover a larger area than all of our wildlife trusts combined.

Making good use of your garden will give wildlife that helping hand they need and will improve your garden’s appearance. Here are 7 ways you can make your garden more wildlife friendly.

Grow specific plants

Growing plants that support a range of insects will maximise the chances of them entering your garden and surviving. Bees, butterflies, moths and other pollinators will feed on the nectar of many plants, so you should add a variety to your collection to draw them in and make your garden look great. However, if you want to support reproduction, then you should look into planting particular plants that attract butterflies to lay their eggs on them and encourage the growth and survival of caterpillars.

Feed the birds

Feeding the birds using bird feeders is a quick and easy way to make your garden a better place for our feathered friends. If you have a squirrel problem in your area, look into buying a squirrel-proof feeder. The food you put out will determine the birds you attract. Niger seeds will attract different finches and siskins and peanuts are loved by nuthatches, tits and woodpeckers. If you want to purchase garden bird supplies, then you should check out Little Peckers. This online bird food store has everything you need to keep birds happy in one place, plus they have a fantastic range of wildlife products that may suit you.

Make a home

In order to make the indigenous animals truly happy and comfortable, you should do what you can to create a welcoming home for them. This includes building and supplying warmth and shelter for them to rest and raise their young. For birds, this will include putting up bird boxes and providing materials for them to nest. For bugs, insect hotels and wood piles work great. For ground dwelling animals, planting hedges for them to move through and burrow under provides safe places for mammals to live.

Build a compost heap

Creating a compost heap is a great way to put your food waste to good use and increase the health and biodiversity of your garden. When you make and maintain a compost heap, you’ll create a home for mini-beasts, also known as small invertebrates. These are a brilliant source of food for a variety of different creatures. The compost you make can also be used to feed the trees, plants and grass in your garden as it’s packed with essential nutrients and worms that stabilise and improve the soil.

Support nocturnal wildlife

As well as taking care of the wildlife you see during the day, you should do what you can to help the creatures of the night. Plenty of wildlife will use your garden when you are tucked up in bed, and these nocturnal animals are usually the ones for whom people forget to cater. Planting night-blooming flowers will attract pollinating insects such as moths, which will create a great food source for bats and other insectivores. Removing artificial light from the outside of your property is another effective way to help bats.

Add a water source

Watering your garden will support your plants and make your garden stronger, and adding a water source will provide an environment that will support a variety of amphibians; including frogs, common toads and newts. These creatures will provide a natural and highly effective method of pest control, as they feed on a variety of invertebrates. Adding a small pond will look great and make your garden more wildlife friendly. It may also attract dragonflies during the summer, which is when they are active.

Let things grow

Many UK home-owners tend to install fake grass and lay concrete and brick patios and keep their gardens overly tidy. Although this looks neat, it will not support the environment very well. Sometimes, longer grass and messy hedges is exactly what the local wildlife needs. However, you should not let it overwhelm you and make you feel uncomfortable and messy. Instead, you should leave some of your lawn un-mown and allow some wild plants (also known as weeds!), to take over areas of your garden.

Taking care of wildlife may not feel like your responsibility, but your home will most likely be built on top of theirs and taking up valuable space that they need. Attempting to make your garden more wildlife friendly doesn’t cost a fortune, but it will make life a little better for the creatures with whom we share our world.

Do you do anything to encourage wildlife into your outside space?

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