We all know we should be doing more for the planet- and helping wildlife is something we should all feel responsible for. When we concrete over green areas to build our homes, shops, and schools we destroy the habitats of all kinds of creatures.
With many open spaces now converted to farmland, wildlife no longer have the meadows and large lakes that they once did. To help make up for this, everyone with a garden can make it more inviting for wildlife and give them a place to thrive. Here’s what you can do to help wildlife in your backyard!
Build a Pond
Building a pond is one of the best ways to invite wildlife into your garden. You will attract birds, frogs, toads, newts and insects. This, in turn, will attract other animals such as hedgehogs and other mammals.
Ponds should be properly maintained to keep the water clean and healthy, Becker Windmills for example work to keep the pond aerated. This will reduce algae and foul smells from stagnation, reduce mosquitoes and create a healthier environment for fish and wildlife. Surround the pond with plants and flowers to create good hiding places, and aquatic plants like water lilies provide a great habitat for various fish and amphibians.
Even small gardens can benefit from a pond, even if you go with something small you provide a vital regular water source for a myriad of creatures and plus it looks pretty too. You could go a step further and have a trickling water feature installed in it, this helps to drown out traffic and outside noise and create a relaxing environment to sit in.
Create a Compost Heap
A compost heap is another thing every household should get on board with. You reduce your carbon footprint since less waste is being sent to landfill and incinerators, and as a bonus, you can use the compost as fertiliser on your garden. Plus it’s good for wildlife too.
The worms and other insects which break down the compost make a meal for hungry birds, and other small creatures can use it to take shelter. Compost heaps also make ideal nesting spots for hedgehogs. There are so many reasons to get on board with using one, either buy a ready-made compost bin or make your own.
There are plenty of tutorials and videos online which explain how to do it and the kinds of things to put in it. You only need some basic equipment and DIY supplies, and once it’s done, you have peace of mind that it’s another little bit you’re doing for the environment.
Put Up A Greenhouse
Insects in the greenhouse might sound like bad news, but not all insects are pests! In fact, many of them will control pests and therefore improve your crops. Greenhouses make perfect shelters for various insects, especially later in the year when the weather starts to cool down. Plus a greenhouse is a garden essential anyway for anyone who’s green fingered, they help to extend the growing season and help you to get the best from your garden.
Greenhouses can be large or just small lean- to’s if you’re new to gardening and want to try out the hobby without making a huge investment. They can be cold, warm or hot depending on what you want to do with them, so it’s worth doing a little research. Either way. It’s something wildlife will appreciate and will help them to thrive.
Hang Bird Feeders or Put Out a Bird Table
Many birds now rely on humans for food since their natural food supply becomes incredibly scarce at certain times of the year. To help these beautiful little creatures to thrive, you can hang out bird feeders containing suet balls or nuts. You can also add a good mixed feed to a sturdy bird table- you’re sure to get plenty of cheeky and adorable squirrels visit for this as well!
Birds quickly learn when the food is being put out, so if you put it out at a certain time each day, you can even establish a feeding routine. Be sure that any leftovers are being cleared away at the end of each day for hygiene reasons and to prevent pests.
Leave an Area of Your Garden Wild
While a beautifully manicured lawn might look nice, it doesn’t provide a whole lot of opportunities for wildlife. To get around this, you could leave an area of your garden wild- this is easy if you have a large garden.
Sprinkle down a meadow mix of flowers and grasses that insects, bumblebees, and butterflies love. Lots of garden centres sell these, and they’re extremely inexpensive. This will attract in the right kind of wildlife which will reward you by pollinating your plants and eating any pests. Right along the back of your garden or at the back of a shed, for example, could be left longer and not be cut down with the rest of the lawn.
Reduce Chemicals
Of course, if you want to create a wildlife friendly garden, it makes sense that you’d avoid chemicals. Herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides will not only kill off the pests but harm the good wildlife too, which you’re trying to look after.
There are other methods you can use to control weeds and pests, they might take a bit more effort but are worth it. Pulling up weeds by hand, or use an organic weed killer. Both salt and vinegar for example are natural ingredients that work well on certain weeds. I personally like to deal with weeds by pouring boiling water on them. Simple and effective.
Either make some yourself using a recipe online or purchase some organic, natural weed killer. When it comes to pests, one thing you can try is biological control. If you put plants or flowers that naturally attract insects that eat certain pests, you keep numbers down without chemicals.
Have you put much thought into the animals and wildlife in your garden? If so what steps have you taken to ensure you’re doing your bit for nature?
