How to create wildlife habitats in your garden

An important element of eco-conscious gardening is making sure you've taken steps to attract and support local wildlife. By approaching your gardening with wildlife in mind, you can support biodiversity, improve the health of your local ecosystem and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Here are some tips on how to create a thriving wildlife habitat in your garden.

Start with native plants

Native plants are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions, requiring less water and care than non-native species. More importantly, native plants provide the right food and shelter for local wildlife, including birds, butterflies, insects and pollinators.

Do a bit of research to identify which plants are native to your area. Local gardening clubs and online resources can be helpful.

Aim for a mix of trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses to offer a variety of habitats and food sources throughout the year.

The range of Bluum Green Roof Stores can be used both to store your bins & recycling, logs and bikes, and to create a home in the living roof for your choice of sedums, alpine plants, grasses and herbs. 

Additionally, a Living Wall can be a fantastic way to create some vertical planting area. 

Provide water sources

Water is essential for all living creatures. By incorporating water features, you can attract a wide range of wildlife to your garden.

Incorporating a Dipping Tank / Water Butt is a great way to attract local wildlife. It can be used as a pond to provide a home for frogs, dragonflies and other pond insects, but also provide essential (and free) water sources for your plants. It's a great way to sustainably harvest and store your rainwater. 

A Dipping Tank / Water Butt stops you needing to reach for the hose quite so much, saving you water but also providing your plants and wildlife with access to more natural rainwater.

You can also place shallow dishes of water on the ground for small mammals like hedgehogs, badgers and foxes.

Create shelter and nesting sites

Wildlife needs safe places to hide from predators, rest, and raise their young. By providing a variety of shelters, you can support different species throughout the year.

Thick shrubs and hedges offer cover for birds and small mammals. Piles of logs, branches, and leaves provide habitats for insects, amphibians, and small mammals.

You can also install nesting boxes for birds and bats.

Avoid chemicals

Pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilisers can harm wildlife and disrupt the natural balance of your garden. Instead, opt for organic gardening practices.

Use natural pest control method wherever you can. You can deter slugs with chilli powder, copper edging, or set up beer traps.

For fertiliser, using organic compost and well-rotted manure enrich the soil without the harmful effects of synthetic chemicals.  A beehive style compost bin is a stylish way to create your own compost in your garden. 

Be patient and observe

Creating a wildlife habitat is a gradual process. Be patient and take time to observe the changes in your garden. Keep a journal or take photos to document the different species that visit and how your habitat evolves over time.

With some quite simple changes, it's easier that might seem to bring wildlife in to your garden and make it a safe and productive place for them to be.