Your garden is a little slice of nature — so why not share it with wildlife? A few simple additions to your garden can attract creatures big and small.
Create a nesting area for birds, a water feature for frogs or a breeding site for butterflies. No matter the size of your outdoor space, you can transform it into a home for nature.
This article will explore how you can create the perfect habitat for wildlife in your very own back garden.
Plants, trees and vegetation
- Trees provide roosting and nesting sites for a variety of birds and mammals. They also serve as areas of shelter for mammals to hide from prey. Take a look at our tree growth for wildlife article to discover which animals are attracted to which trees.
- Composts and woodpiles also attract animals to live, feed and hibernate and take up less space than most plants and trees. Composters are a great addition to your garden because they help to reduce waste in addition to nourishing the soil.
- Plant flowers that are bright in colour and rich in nectar to attract insects such as bees, wasps and butterflies. Berry bushes and fruit trees will also be appealing to insects, as well as provide a valuable source of food for birds.
Cultivating your garden to attract insects will also invite birds and other mammals who prey on those insects.
Water features and ponds
- Water features and ponds are attractive additions to any garden and provide a habitat for a variety of amphibians and birds. You’ll need a keen eye though, newts like to hide under stones and logs or amongst tree roots.
- Water sources serve as a fresh water supply that can attract all sorts of animals in need of a drink.
Bird boxes and feeding areas
- Simple bird boxes are easy to build and provide a source of shelter for a variety of birds.
- Partner your bird box with a bird feeder to allow birds to feast and roost within a short distance.
- Why stop at birds? Bat boxes and hedgehog homes provide safe, artificial shelter in the same way that bird boxes do.
Tip: installing plastic domes over your bird feeders helps to prevent grey squirrels from raiding them.
Garden grass and soil
- The length of your grass can affect which animals visit your garden. Longer grass is a habitat for insects and an attractive spot for the birds who prey on them. Larger animals such as badgers and foxes will gravitate towards shorter, well-kept grass to forage for grubs and search for prey.
- Lay compost on top of your soil to provide a habitat for invertebrates.
Urban areas
You won’t encounter as many animals in your garden if you’re from an urban area — but there’s still hope!
We suggest you focus on attracting birds to your garden. Birds fly between gardens outside the breeding season — even in urban areas. Consider installing a bird box or feeder to your garden.
The above tips are a great way to enliven your garden and support the ecosystem. No matter which animals venture into your garden, the additional plants, water features and bird boxes will enhance the look of your garden, making it equally as attractive to you and your family as it is to the local wildlife.
To make the most from your garden, you should always make sure your trees are healthy and in top condition. At Artemis Tree Services, we provide a range of tree services to customers in Rickmansworth, Watford and the wider London area. Our specialists will visit your garden to identify and implement the ideal services for keeping your garden looking its best.
To enquire about our services, contact Artemis Tree Services today.
