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Creating a Natural Wildlife-Friendly Garden Environment

DCF 1.0Creating a garden that is a little more accessible to the local wildlife isn’t a difficult task but does take a little planning. One of the simplest ways to provide a safe and animal-friendly garden is to recreate a garden that emulates a natural wildlife habitat.

Water attractions are vital

A garden that has some form of water attraction such as small ponds that can be used as bird baths will be an attraction for the local wildlife. Ponds with shallow waters are ideal for birds to bathe in and drink from. Ponds also attract the insects that birds feed on and are a natural home to creatures such as newts. If you do have some form of pond you can expect to attract dragonflies, frogs, birds and even bats.

Grow your garden naturally

Your garden doesn’t need to look like the set of Jurassic Park to attract wildlife but a more natural looking environment will be attractive to animals. Grass, whether long or short, is a feature that animals such as a birds love because it is the perfect place for insects and grubs to hide. Longer grass is perfect for certain birds to lay eggs and of course trees are the ideal place for nest-building.

Feeding the wildlife

Bushes and trees on which fruit grow provide a valuable source of food for animals to feed on throughout the year. Flowers also provide nectar for insects and seed producing plants provide sustenance for birds, especially during the autumn and winter months. Feeders hung from trees or hedges are a great way to provide food for birds and squirrels regardless of the season. Make sure to keep your feeders high enough that cats won’t be able to get to them easily when birds are feeding.

Provide some shelter

Another good idea for animal-friendly gardens is to provide plenty of shelter. This can be as simple as some overgrown hedges or can include wooden bird and bat boxes. Piles of dead leaves stored in a corner make excellent hibernating areas for hedgehogs and wall climbing plants are the ideal place for birds to breed and shelter.

This is just a small selection of the many ways you can create a garden space that will provide food and shelter for wildlife. If you can, get rid of those concrete slabs and turn your garden into your own little natural wildlife sanctuary.