Gardens are important habitats for wildlife and can help form essential ‘green corridors’ between larger habitats such as parks and nature reserves.

We can attract a fascinating diversity of wildlife such as pollinators, amphibians and reptiles, birds, mammals, and invertebrates no matter how large or small our gardens.

Below are six key elements of a wildlife-friendly garden. Even one or two approaches can dramatically increase the amount of wildlife we attract.

Gardening for wildlife.

  • Water.

    Water is essential to all sorts of wildlife, for drinking, bathing, breeding, and even keeping cool in summer.

  • Log pile.

    A pile of logs in the corner of the garden makes a fantastic wildlife habitat. It will provide nooks and crannies for small mammals and amphibians to shelter, while invertebrates such as beetles and centipedes will shelter beneath the logs. If placed in sun, solitary bees may nest in dry wood. As the logs break down they will attract fungi and detritivores such as woodlice, which will provide food for those further up the food chain.

  • Long grass.

    Even a small patch of grass left to grow long will make a difference to wildlife. Small mammals and amphibians will shelter here, butterflies and moths will breed here, and birds will strip the grasses of seed.

  • Flowers.

    Wildlife gardens are packed with pollinator-friendly flowers from March to November. Single, not double, flowers are key, as are flowers of different shapes.

  • Trees, hedges, and shrubs.

    Trees, hedges and shrubs provide shelter for birds and mammals, leaves for caterpillars to eat (and therefore more food for birds), and flowers, fruit, and berries for all manner of species.

  • Compost pile.

    A compost heap provides a warm, moist environment for a host of wild species. Invertebrates such as woodlice, centipedes, and rove beetles will make a home here, which birds, amphibians, and reptiles will eat. The best compost heap is open, which enables wildlife to get in.