How to create a wildlife friendly garden
During lockdown there were so many reports of wildlife returning to the towns, but now we are out and about more, what will happen to the wildlife? Here are some suggestions you might like to try. Always be aware of any animals that might be residing in the habitats you create when moving or changing the areas created. Speak to Brian McGinnis, who can give you further tips as to the best way to create a suitable habitat. Remember to try to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
| Place | Animal or Plant | What you can do |
| Bottom of the garden | Hedgehogs, insects | Leave a section of the garden to grow to provide somewhere for these animals and insects to hide. Are you able to provide a hedgehog highway? This involves making a hole about 10cm wide in the fence or hedge. This allows gardens to be connected. Check with your neighbour first. |
| Compost | Hedgehogs, reptiles and newts | Create a compost in your garden. This will attract local wildlife.If you are not sure how to start visit edenproject.com for further details. |
| Log pile | Hedgehogs, stag beetles | Create a log pile for stag beetles. These are very vulnerable as they have an extremely long cycle. They spend 3 – 7 years underground as larvae feeding on rotting wood before emerging as adults for just a few weeks to mate and lay eggs. |
| Plant wildflowers | Bees and Butterflies | Visit kabloom.co.uk to find out which flowers to plant. They sell ‘seedbombs’ specifically made for bees and butterflies. Other companies also sell ‘seedbombs’. |
| Hotels | Birds and bugs | Install a bird box in the garden during the Autumn for the birds to nest in. You could even install a camera to watch the baby birds hatch and grow |