How do you create the perfect wildlife garden to not only bring life into your outdoor spaces but also help save declining numbers?

Wildlife numbers have seen a huge decline since the introduction of sprays and pesticides. By reverting to natural methods and products when dealing with aphids or slugs, you can play your part in creating safe havens for some of our most endangered species.

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. In the height of the summer months when pollen is rich, incorporate flowers or vegetables into your balcony and watch as butterflies, bees and shield insects stop by. By growing essential food for wildlife, you’re helping to increase the number of feeding spots where large meadows and fields don’t exist.

Allow for low-growing flowers such as clover in the lawns and nigella in the borders, to encourage the ladybirds to take residence. Incorporating more of these flowers into your garden will increase the local population and reduce any aphid damage. You can also create shelters for ladybirds and other insects by piling wood in a quiet, shaded corner of your garden.

There are hundreds of different kinds of bees, and a handful of them pay our gardens a visit daily. Whilst many of us think of bees as nest-makers, there are some bees that prefer environments like that of a bug hotel.

Bird tables and feeders are excellent ways to create a haven for our feathered friends. Make use of tree branches, the sides of sheds and more to encourage birds to nest and feed in your garden. Birds love variety. Including fat balls, coconut husks on top of peanut and sunflower seed feeders will encourage a whole variety of local birds into your garden. Try growing berry-producing fruit bushes for fresh, low-maintenance food, too.  

There’s nothing better than sitting out with a hot drink in the late summer mornings, watching birds going about their business. As well as adding bird tables and baths to your garden, by hanging up bird boxes, you can encourage greater numbers of birds into your garden and help bird species up and down the country. Include a few nest boxes around sheds, garages and any other high places around your garden, and you will soon find those outdoor spaces will quickly become feathered paradises.

At Almondsbury, we have quirky bug hotels, specialist bird food, wildflower seeds and more to help you turn your outdoor space into a thriving wildlife haven.