The most liberating aspect of wildlife gardening is
knowing that a little untidiness is a good thing. I would encourage you to
leave parts of the lawn unmown, to sweep leaves under hedges and leave
cuttings in a pile! Having said this, wildlife gardens do have to be
managed, and it is a good idea to set out an annual plan, so that it is
clear what needs doing when.
For all of those who are swept away by the spirit and
idea of wildlife gardening, but have never quite got round to converting
that enthusiasm into reality, below are my top six practical tips for
turning your garden into a wildlife wonderland.
• Go native: Wherever possible it is a good idea to
use native plants and trees - they will support a more varied insect
fauna.
• Cut out the chemicals: In general try to avoid the
use of chemicals in the garden - they can upset the natural balance
which if left alone will find its own equilibrium.
• A flowering lawn: Instead of cutting the whole
lawn short, allow some areas to grow long, or clear an area and sow a
wild flower seed mix.
• Water for wildlife: Ponds are an immensely
valuable habitat to have in your garden and they can be as large or
small as the situation demands, but still be bulging with life.
• Nectar rich borders: Plant up flower borders with
a variety of native species that will provide food and shelter for
butterflies and other insects right up to the end of autumn.
• Habitat piles: Logs, leaves or compost heaps can
be a home or feeding place for a surprising number of mammals, reptiles,
birds and insects.
This is of course just a taste of what is possible and I
would recommend the following further reading to anyone thinking of giving
gardening for wildlife a go: 'Creating a Wildlife Garden' by Bob and Liz
Gibbons; 'The Wildlife Garden Month by Month' by Jackie Bennett.
Jason Adams
