Spring is the time for putting down roots and preparing your outdoor space to blossom in the months ahead. But before you reach for your gardening gloves, take a moment to reflect on the few minor adjustments you could make to benefit local wildlife in the process.
Whether your garden is huge or modest, you can do small things to make a big impact for wildlife – not just in your own outdoor space but across the wider ecosystem – providing the food and shelter that insects, birds and small mammals need.
Consider installing a bird box for new families to make their home – not only does this attract birds to your garden but it’s fun to watch them fly in and out! Just make sure you place it high up in a sheltered area. And don’t forget to nurture your new feathered friends with strategically placed feeders and maybe a bird bath.
When choosing flowers and plants, grow as many varieties as possible to provide colour – and good sources of food and pollen – from spring right through to autumn. Go for native species if you can and include climbers such as ivy, which also deliver year-round protection for birds and insects.
Be more relaxed in your gardening approach and your local wildlife will thank you for it! Mowing the grass less often will allow wildflowers like daisies to flower, which in turn boosts nectar production. Worried about those gaps at the bottom of your fence? Don’t be – they provide a vital thoroughfare for hedgehogs and frogs.
Finally, don’t be so quick to pull up those weeds! Weather-hardy plants like nettles feed important insects such as butterflies when other sources might not be available.
Surrounded by lovely green open spaces and countryside, our homes are perfectly located to help cultivate and enjoy the delights of a whole variety of wildlife.
If you’re ready to put down roots – and get closer to nature – why not take a minute to discover more?