The WWF’s Living Planet Report 2022 has found that “global wildlife populations have plummeted by 69% on average since 1970”. They say that this “is a severe warning that the rich biodiversity that sustains all life on our planet is in crisis, putting every species at risk – including us”.
If you’re keen to do your bit by making your garden a place for wildlife to thrive – you’re in the right place! Here, we explore several ways you can create a wildlife-friendly garden.
How To Create a Garden That Benefits Wildlife
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Create a Wildlife Pond
If you have a large garden, you could install a pond for birds, frogs, dragonflies, and other wildlife to enjoy. You should pick a suitable area that gets light but isn’t in direct sunlight all day long. Plant species that thrive in boggy conditions such as white water lily, curled pondweed, and water violet. Then, make your pond accessible to wildlife by using pebbles and rocks that slope into the water and offer various depths to suit different animals!
Let the Grass Grow
Another great way you can make your garden beneficial to wildlife is to let your grass grow. This can help provide good living conditions for beetles, spiders, insects, and worms, which offers a food source for larger animals like birds. If you don’t want to let your whole lawn grow long, choose a lesser-used area in a corner, and allow that spot to flourish.
Plant a Variety of Flowers
It’s worth planting a variety of flowers and shrubs to create a diverse ecosystem for the wildlife in your garden. This will create suitable homes for a range of animals to live and hibernate and provide essential food sources. Choose plants and flowers that bloom in different seasons so that there’s food available all year, such as berry trees for the winter and bright blooms rich in nectar for the summer months.
Install Bird Boxes and Feeders
You could also fit bird boxes to a tree, wall, or fence to provide birds with a place to shelter. Ideally, your bird boxes should face between the north and east to avoid direct sunlight and be placed two to four metres from the ground, according to the RSPB. You could also invest in a bird table or a feeder and fill it with a variety of seeds, peanuts, fruits, and maize to keep birds sustained throughout the year.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
If you’re keen to protect the wildlife in your garden, it’s important to avoid the use of toxic chemicals found in many weedkillers and pesticides. This is because they can harm or kill many species, including bees, worms, birds, and more. If you need to keep weeds at bay, opt for an eco-friendly weedkiller that is safe for animals. That way, you can keep your garden looking great without harming wildlife in the process!
Manage Your Trees Correctly
If you’re lucky enough to have trees, that can be a wonderful addition to any garden. But it’s also true that trees need to be managed. Rot, improper branch management, or felling dangers can cause damage or impact other wildlife or flora in your garden. That’s where hiring the best tree surgeon to help maintain this feature can be a great idea, and lead to your peace of mind.
When designing your wildlife-friendly garden, don’t forget to think about how you can enjoy the space too. You could create a patio area with paving slabs where you can sit down with a drink and watch the wildlife that visits. Why not start creating your wildlife oasis today?
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