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On the Wild Side

© Graham Leatherbarrow

This month I make no apology for returning to a favourite 'hobby horse' of mine - how to attract wildlife to the garden? Wildlife for me was the spur that introduced me to gardening in the first place and a garden without it is a rather boring place anyway.

Those of us who garden in towns and cities are in an ideal position to re-dress the balance of the loss of habitat caused by our modern way of life. Wild places, as we all know, are under an ever-increasing threat from various sources and gardens the world over are becoming more important to our local wildlife as places to feed, rest and raise a family. As gardeners we are also in a privileged position to help beleaguered local wildlife in so many ways and in turn this wildlife will add so much to the colour, movement and interest in the garden all year round. In addition, your garden will become much more productive and be a greater source of wonder and inspiration.

The wildlife you will attract will of course vary according to where in the world your garden is, but the basic requirements remain the same wherever it is. One of the most attractive aspects of gardening is that there are few hard and fast rules; your garden whether new or well established can be adapted to attract wildlife without great expense or upheaval.

First, you must consider what you have and what you want, then adopt the most economical way of achieving your aim. A lawn or area of short grass will provide a good feeding area for a wide range of birds. Water attracts birds and other wildlife very quickly, even a simple bird bath can be incorporated if no room exists for a pond. There are many trees, shrubs and plants that provide food for birds, butterflies, bees and other insects. If there is food, they will find it, so a shrubbery, borders with nectar rich plants and perhaps a wild patch, will stock their larder. They will assume it is all for them, so only the kitchen garden might have to be caged. In the hard winter months, food scraps will help to keep many birds alive, bear in mind that there is no need to put food out during the spring and summer months, natural food will be plentiful then and young birds could be killed by artificial food such as peanuts. A final note on food scraps, do not put out meat, it will only attract vermin.