In this blog we will be focusing on nature, wildlife and being outdoors (even if that’s limited as we try to protect ourselves from the risks of Covid-19). It’s important to make the most , where we can, of our gardens and the plants and wildlife they have to offer. Nature is so important for our health and happiness…where we can so safely, let’s enjoy it!

Bird Feeders

Summer feeding for birds should be their natural food which is most abundant however adverse weather conditions, either too hot or too wet sometimes means there is a shortage of food for our chatty friends. Therefore, by installing bird feeder putting out food for birds in your garden can help the bird population.

To make your own bird feeder mixed dry ingredients together. This can be a mix of bird seed, moist breadcrumbs, dried fruit, grated cheese, cooked rice or unsalted peanuts. Then add in cooking fat such as lard. Spread the mixture on either a fur cone or press into a empty yoghurt. Hang your feeder up with string, ideal in prickly bushes or trees. Always place somewhere that cats wont be able to reach! Finally… grab your binoculars!

Let the grass grow and plant climbers!

By doing so you let more space for insects to thrive including butterflies. Roses and Clematis are brilliant at attracting birds and insects all year round. Where the grass is particular long it enables Voles, Mice and Shrews to take shelter. Climbers are also excellent nesting sites for garden animals.

Relax about weeds! Buttercups, daisies and nettles are a natural source of food for insects including butterflies. They flower for a long times no matter what the season and the weather is doing.

Insect Hotel

Leave piles of wood, twigs and rocks in your garden. This will create shelter for all sorts of important insects such as spiders and beetles. Compost is key - it provides habit for worms, woodlice and also frogs. It will naturally enrich your soil. The compost can take anything from a few months to a year to be ready and then you’ll be able to spread it across your plant beds.

Planting

By planting flowers you provide insects and bees with pollen an nectar. Bees are constantly busy in the garden foraging for nectar and pollen, helping pollinate flowers as they do so. If you have seeds to hand or can get some grow as many varieties of flowers as you can, to ensure colour from Spring through to Autumn. Flowers that are popular with Bees that flower early Spring through to late Summer include Primrose, Bluebells, Lavender, Daisies, Ivy and one of our favourites Echinacea!

Fences

One final thing to remember is to make sure your fences have small holes in the to allow wildlife such as Hedgehogs, Squirrels, Voles and Shrews to come in and enjoy your garden haven!