How to Create a Wildlife Garden This Summer
Summer brings plenty of opportunities for BBQs, sun tans, ice-cream, and spending time outdoors in the fresh air, enjoying the natural wildlife around you. As urban development rises, many animals lose their natural habitats. However, with a little encouragement from you and your family, you can create a wildlife garden that provides a safe environment for birds, insects, mammals, and more to thrive.
Here are a few tips to help you get more from your wildlife garden this summer:
1. Create ‘Meadow’ Spaces in Flower Beds
One way to create a successful wildlife garden is by dedicating areas of your garden as meadow spaces. Longer grass and wildflowers left to grow naturally will attract insects and mini-beasts. Butterflies will love the wildflowers, and they might even lay eggs, ensuring you have a garden full of vibrant life all summer long!
Another advantage of having a meadow space in your wildlife garden is the reduced need for maintenance. Natural areas tend to look after themselves. Simply cut back the dead grass and plants in early spring, and let nature take its course for the rest of the season.
2. Add a Water Feature
If you’re looking to enhance your wildlife garden, consider adding a water feature. A shallow pool is perfect for amphibians like frogs and newts. Even if you don’t have space for a full pond, a simple bird bath can be a great addition. This will encourage birds to visit your garden, giving you the chance to observe them up close as they splash around in a safe space.
3. Make Bird Feeders
Involving your kids in making homemade bird feeders is a fun way to turn your garden into a thriving wildlife garden. These feeders will attract various types of birds, offering you and your family a chance to observe local wildlife in action.
4. Plant Hedges for Shelter
Hedges are an important feature in any wildlife garden. They provide shelter and corridors for small mammals and birds. If your garden has fences, planting holly bushes along them is a great way to encourage wildlife. As the bushes grow, you’ll notice more activity around the base, where animals might make a home for themselves and their young come autumn.
5. Support Bee Populations
Bees are essential for pollinating flowers, but their numbers have been declining in recent years. You can help support these important pollinators by transforming your garden into a wildlife garden. Plant climbing plants along garden fences to create a natural flow between gardens, which helps bees and other pollinators. Adding tall-growing flowers will also attract bees and dragonflies, making your wildlife garden a haven for pollinators.
6. Keep a Wildlife Diary
Engage your children by keeping a diary of the wildlife you see in your wildlife garden. This is a great way to track the various birds, insects, and mammals that visit your garden throughout the summer. It’s not only educational but also a fantastic way to appreciate the biodiversity in your backyard.
For more tips on creating a successful wildlife garden, visit the RSPB website:
https://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/wildlifegarden/
If you need help maximizing your indoor space, contact our specialist team today, and for a full list of our services, click here.
