Creating The Perfect Habitat For Wildlife

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. 

red admiral butterfly on pink flowers

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.

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594 reviews

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Anonymous

Artemis removed a tree and neatened a hedge. The work was very neat. In all my dealings with Artemis, they have always been very reliable and trustworthy, and I have recommended them to a neighbour.... Artemis removed a tree and neatened a hedge. The work was very neat. In all my dealings with Artemis, they have always been very reliable and trustworthy, and I have recommended them to a neighbour.

6 days ago

Vicki

Very professional, efficient and friendly service. The team did an excellent job of taking down an old tree, planting a new one and pruning three others. Everything was left very tidy.... Very professional, efficient and friendly service. The team did an excellent job of taking down an old tree, planting a new one and pruning three others. Everything was left very tidy.

2 weeks ago

Jill Lesley Sloley

The tree work was carried out by friendly operatives who arrived on time and worked efficiently and well. They took away all the debris and left me with a tidy garden. The office people I have spok... The tree work was carried out by friendly operatives who arrived on time and worked efficiently and well. They took away all the debris and left me with a tidy garden. The office people I have spoken to have also been friendly, helpful and efficient.

3 weeks ago

Maggie

This is the first occasion using Artemis and we found the service from start to finish prompt, professional and friendly. The interaction prior to the commencement of the work was really efficient, a... This is the first occasion using Artemis and we found the service from start to finish prompt, professional and friendly. The interaction prior to the commencement of the work was really efficient, and the team on the day were great and the work completed was to an exceptional standard, as was the clear up afterwards. A big thanks to Loise, Lewis, Mo and Marchin for your hard work on the day, and to Scott too who did the initial quotation. Well done boys and we are so pleased with the end result!

1 month ago

Anonymous

Survey completed quickly after our enquiry and clear and concise quote provided within a day. Great booking and pre-visit communication. The chaps that did the work were courteous and professional - k... Survey completed quickly after our enquiry and clear and concise quote provided within a day. Great booking and pre-visit communication. The chaps that did the work were courteous and professional - knew what they were doing and clearly communicated how the job was going and answered any questions we had during the work. They took their time to do the job well. Site left tidy with trees pruned and shaped as agreed. Artemis are expert and professional.

1 month ago

steve lynch

Artemis have undertaken two pieces of tree work for us in the last few weeks and on both occasions they did an absolutely great job. excellent value for money, I would thoroughly recommend them!... Artemis have undertaken two pieces of tree work for us in the last few weeks and on both occasions they did an absolutely great job. excellent value for money, I would thoroughly recommend them!

2 months ago

Anonymous

I would recommend this company to anyone. They were amazing from start to finish. They cleaned all the mess and took it away with them. Very happy, thank you again... I would recommend this company to anyone. They were amazing from start to finish. They cleaned all the mess and took it away with them. Very happy, thank you again

3 months ago

Ken And Joan Richardson

As usual our Magnolia tree was cut to perfection .The teamleft our property clean and tidy ,We have used Artemis tree Services for about 15 years and would not want to have anyone else to do the work ... As usual our Magnolia tree was cut to perfection .The teamleft our property clean and tidy ,We have used Artemis tree Services for about 15 years and would not want to have anyone else to do the work A big Thank you to the team ,

3 months ago

Michael Quy

A prompt professional team. I have used Artemis before and recommend them highly....

3 months ago

Gordon Trievnor

Another first class job completed by this exceptional Contractor. From initial site inspection to quotation and actual works, plus an amazing clear up after, it is always a real pleasure to use Arte... Another first class job completed by this exceptional Contractor. From initial site inspection to quotation and actual works, plus an amazing clear up after, it is always a real pleasure to use Artemis. Highly recommended.

4 months ago

Keith

Very efficient customer service. Did the job when they said they would. Met all our expectations. Would recommend....

4 months ago

Francis Xavier Emmanuel

This was the third occasion that we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. We were completely satisfied with their service at every stage of their work. Perhaps what pleased us most was to see th... This was the third occasion that we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. We were completely satisfied with their service at every stage of their work. Perhaps what pleased us most was to see the two young lads genuinely enjoying their work! 57 Bow Lane, Finchley, N12 0JL.

5 months ago

Enthusiastic of Eastcote

My wife and I were pleased to welcome Charlie and Ben, to tackle our overgrown Laurel. They telephoned ahead to advise their time of arrival and, once on site, got down to work in a professional and i... My wife and I were pleased to welcome Charlie and Ben, to tackle our overgrown Laurel. They telephoned ahead to advise their time of arrival and, once on site, got down to work in a professional and industrious manner. These young men were friendly and helpful, completing the job to our exact requirements, and tidying up thoroughly afterwards. In addition, they approached their work in full compliance with health and safety regulations. All in all, they were splendid ambassadors for their company!

6 months ago

Mrs S. Beattie

This is the 3rd time I have used this Company. All the staff are professional, friendly and helpful offering high quality service from the moment you contact them to completion of the job and the pri... This is the 3rd time I have used this Company. All the staff are professional, friendly and helpful offering high quality service from the moment you contact them to completion of the job and the price is fair. I wouldn't use anyone else.

6 months ago

Anonymous

We have used Artemis for tree and hedge works several times and would thoroughly recommend them. They give an all round professional service; communication is great, quotes detailed and work fairly pr... We have used Artemis for tree and hedge works several times and would thoroughly recommend them. They give an all round professional service; communication is great, quotes detailed and work fairly priced. If you are looking for trustworthy and reliable tree services look no further!

6 months ago

Derek Welch, Chalfont St Peter

Very professional, work hard, friendly and cooperative. Very highly recommended - they know what they are doing!...

6 months ago

Peter

Always friendly helpful staff, very knowledgable, prune/trim trees very well leaving a good shape and tidy up afterwards....

7 months ago

M Pearce

Polite, efficient, helpful - highly reccomended...

8 months ago

Brian (Pinner)

Artemis recently did some work for us and we were very impressed both with the quality of the work and the communication and value for money. I would recommend them.... Artemis recently did some work for us and we were very impressed both with the quality of the work and the communication and value for money. I would recommend them.

8 months ago

Michelle Hyer

Excellent service, tidy, efficient, on-time and someone at the end of the phone for queries! I would highly recemmend x...

9 months ago

Barbara M Grant, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire

Artemis Tree Services Limited is a professional tree surgeon and is highly recommended. The marketplace is peppered with charlatans purporting to be qualified in this specialist area but Artemis con... Artemis Tree Services Limited is a professional tree surgeon and is highly recommended. The marketplace is peppered with charlatans purporting to be qualified in this specialist area but Artemis continues to uphold and deliver the professional status of this important skill. They offer a a high quality service from the very first contact through to delivery of a clean and crafted conclusion. I have no hesitation in recommending their outstanding service. Many thanks to all involved.

9 months ago