Wildlife at home

Our gardens, both small and large, can be a haven for wildlife. With people spending more time than usual at home this Spring, here are some of our suggestions to keep you busy and give wildlife a helping hand:

• Create a small pond in an old washing up basin or large planter.

RSPB has a guide to creating a small pond like this here: https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/give-nature-a-home-in-your-garden/garden-activities/createaminipond/

• Create a hedgehog highway

In other words, create small openings between boundaries (fences or walls) so that Hedgehogs can move easily between gardens – ask for permission before making any holes in fences!

• Build a Bug Hotel

It doesn’t have to be as large as this! You could even use an old plastic milk or drinks bottle with the end cut off.

Again, RSPB has a nice guide for this activity: https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/give-nature-a-home-in-your-garden/garden-activities/build-a-bug-hotel/

• Let your grass grow

Leave some of your lawn unmown to benefit wildflowers and insects

If you’re keen to record wildlife in your garden there are many surveys to take part in from home. Here are a few of our favourites:

PTES Living with Mammals  

BTO Garden BirdWatch

Butterfly Conservation Garden Butterfly Survey

Freshwater Habitat Trust Spawn Survey