How do you create the perfect wildlife garden to not only bring life into your outdoor spaces but also help save declining numbers? The solutions are actually pretty simple! Whether you have a large garden, small patch of green or a balcony, insects and birds will make an appearance if food is available to them.
Here are some easy ways you can make your garden a wildlife friendly haven.
How to encourage more wildlife into your garden
1. Create areas where bugs can hide
Ladybirds, slugs, snails and other small bugs love nestling into cosy corners - that's why overgrown patches make the perfect hiding place. Keeping an area of your garden a little unkempt where twigs, fallen leaves and other debris can collect can serve as the perfect habitat with insects - they can even act as a natural pest control.
2. Plant pollinator-friendly plants
Planting a wide range of flowers and plants will attract a variety of wildlife. Choose native and non-native plants that offer shelter and food such as berry-bearing shrubs, nectar-rich flowers and anything else that adds diversity to your outdoor space. Pollinator-friendly plants can make your garden a hub wildlife all year round.
3. Make your garden a paradise for birds
Placing bird tables, bird feeders and bird baths in your garden can encourage feathered friends to visit the garden. Birds love variety including fat balls, seeds, nuts and mealworms. Position them away from heavy traffic and predators - if it's a sheltered area, even better!
Why is it important to attract wildlife into your garden?
Attracting wildlife into your garden isn’t just good for the environment it’s good for your garden, too. By creating a space where birds, bees, butterflies, and other creatures feel welcome, you’re helping to support local ecosystems that are under increasing pressure from urban development and habitat loss. Even small gardens can play a big role in providing food, shelter, and breeding grounds for a variety of species.
How can wildlife improve your garden?
Wildlife contributes to your garden in all sorts of practical ways:
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Pollination: Bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and even some beetles help pollinate flowering plants and crops. This means more blooms, better fruit yields, and healthier plants overall.
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Pest control: Birds like robins and wrens, as well as frogs, hedgehogs, and ladybirds, feed on garden pests such as aphids, slugs, and caterpillars. This reduces your need for chemical treatments and keeps your garden naturally balanced.
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Soil health: Worms, insects, and fungi play a vital role in breaking down organic matter, enriching the soil, and improving its structure — all essential for healthy root growth and water retention.
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Seed spreading: Birds and small mammals can help distribute seeds, promoting natural regeneration and encouraging new growth in unexpected places.
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A garden full of life: A wildlife-friendly garden is a lively, fascinating place to be. Watching birds flit between feeders, bees buzz among flowers, or a hedgehog snuffle in the undergrowth brings joy, mindfulness, and a deeper connection to nature.
Welcoming more wildlife into your garden can be a real joy as you spot new creatures bringing your outdoor space to life. From ladybirds to