This week marked the annual celebration of World Wildlife Day. A day that aims to inspire people to connect with and protect the natural world, and the wildlife roaming within it. Although World Wildlife Day is officially celebrated once a year, it is however important that our natural world is cared for 365 days a year! Especially considering the rate global wildlife has declined in recent years, with 73% of the worldwide wildlife populations lost since 1970.
Although we alone cannot single-handedly change these statistics overnight, we can however do our part to contribute to the protection and long-term survival of our local wildlife populations and environmental health.
For those lucky enough to have their own outdoor space at their home, although small, these outdoor spaces can provide a safe haven for local wildlife to visit, habituate and contribute to their overall survival. By making small changes to your garden, whether providing shelter or natural water sources for wildlife, here are a few ways to turn your garden into a wildlife retreat.
Many wild animals face different challenges when it comes to finding reliable food sources, especially during extreme weather conditions, this of course, has become more frequent due to the impact of climate change. We can help local wildlife by offering these seasonal food sources. Some examples of these sources are:
· Bird Feeders: You can fill these feeders with seeds, nuts, and suet, which can provide birds with all they need no matter what the season.
· Start growing pollinator friendly plants such as lavender, sunflowers, primroses, and dandelions to help attract bees and butterflies. These flowers offer both beauty and a great source of pollen, a valuable food source for various insects.
· If you have the space or by chance already have these in your garden, fruit trees and shrubs are a great food source for various birds and small mammals. Not only do they feed wildlife, they also provide shelter from harsh rain and winds, whilst also providing shade during the warmer months.
Water is essential for the survival of pretty much all wildlife species, the need for regular access to water is even more prominent during the warmer months and when winter conditions are at their harshest, and many outdoor water sources freeze over.
· If you place a birdbath in your garden, remember to refresh and refill it regularly to prevent it from running out during the summer and freezing during the winter.
· Consider a shallow water dish on the ground for smaller mammals, insects, and amphibians such as frogs.
As mentioned above, water is essential for wildlife to survive. Natural water sources are vital to many wildlife as they serve as both a source of food/hydration and home to many species. Therefore, having a pond no matter how big or small in your outdoor space contributes greatly to the biodiversity of your garden. If you have no extra space to install a natural pond, there are some crafty ways you can still boost biodiversity within your space.
· Placing a shallow dish of water on the ground.
· Digging a small hole to place a washing up bowl inside so it is sunk into the ground, fill with water, and let the wildlife come to you.
You can encourage wildlife into your garden by just letting your garden grow, whether this is just a section on your entire space, refraining from cutting your grass, or considering a ‘no mow’ area of your garden, allows wildlife to remain undisturbed and have access to pollinating areas and food sources all year round. You can also do this with flower beds, allotments, and vegetable patches.
Hedgehogs like to travel overnight and roam around wild areas, finding food sources and water. By cutting a small hole in your fence, you allow these creatures to pass through in the night.
Bug hotels are also a popular gardening choice as they are creative whilst also providing shelter and a home for various insects. You can make these features using logs, wood pallets, roof tiles, and even plant pots. Again, this doesn’t need to be a massive addition to your garden, you could just pop it in the corner out of sight if a bug hotel doesn’t suit your garden aesthetic.
Avoid using chemical pesticides and herbicides in your outdoor space, as they can be fatal for many species in your garden. Pesticides are toxic to many small mammals, insects, and birds. Therefore, allowing your garden to grow wild is encouraged, or letting nature become your natural pesticide, allowing natural food chains to take their course.
Here are some final quick tips to make the most out of your wildlife friendly garden all year round:
· Ensure there are nesting materials available for birds such as various twigs, fur, and leaves.
· Begin planting early blooming native plants and flowers to support emerging pollinators such as bees. Ensure that before planting, your soil conditions are optimal, the soil is moist and at an appropriate temperature for planting, you can do this by using a Soil Thermometer to check the variable soil depth temperature levels.
· Keep topping up your bird feeders.
· Provide shaded water sources to help the animals stay cool and hydrated
· Ensure feeders and water dishes remain clean to prevent the spread of disease and attract mosquitoes.
· Ensure you have areas of shade in your garden such as shrubs and trees to provide shelter to small mammals during periods of extreme heat.
· Keep your garden wild with loose leaves to create a natural food source to various species as well as provide shelter for insects.
· Ensure your bird feeders remain topped up to help birds prepare for migration.
· Refrain from cutting down old seed heads from plants like thistles as they are a great food source for birds.
· Ensure your bird feeders remain topped up and even include some suet balls for extra substance and energy for birds during this chilly season.
· Plant winter friendly plants that bloom during this season, such as heather and winter jasmine.
· Break the ice on your water sources so animals can still access fresh water.
· What is a wildlife-friendly garden?
· A wildlife-friendly garden is designed to provide food, shelter, and habitat for various animals, insects, and birds. It incorporates native plants, water sources, and natural features to support biodiversity.
· How can I attract more wildlife to my garden?
· You can attract wildlife by planting native flowers, providing food sources like nectar-rich plants, berries, and seeds, adding water features, and creating shelter with hedges, log piles, or birdhouses.
· What are some alternatives to pesticides?
· Use natural pest control methods like encouraging ladybugs, birds, and hedgehogs to eat pests. Companion planting (e.g., marigolds to deter aphids) and homemade remedies like garlic spray can also help.
· Can I have a wildlife-friendly garden in a small space?
· Yes! Even balconies or small gardens can support wildlife with potted plants, a mini pond (like a water-filled dish), and hanging bird feeders or bee hotels.
· How do I balance a wildlife garden with growing my vegetables?
· Use companion planting to deter pests naturally, grow flowers nearby to attract pollinators, and use physical barriers like netting to protect crops while still welcoming beneficial insects.
· Will a wildlife-friendly garden look messy?
· Not necessarily! You can design a structured yet natural-looking garden by mixing wildflower meadows, hedgerows, and paths. Wild gardens can still be beautiful and well-maintained.
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