How to create a Wildlife Friendly Garden

Creating a wildlife friendly garden starts with one key principle: diversity. The more habitat types you introduce, the more species you’ll attract, from bees and butterflies to birds, frogs, and even hedgehogs. Just like us, different creatures have different needs.

By incorporating a mix of habitats, you provide essential food sources, shelter, and breeding grounds that support wildlife throughout the year. Plus, a biodiverse garden is more resilient, more beautiful, and endlessly more rewarding to watch come to life.

Not sure where to begin? Here are some simple, effective ways to add varied habitats to your garden:

If you have space, plant a tree. Trees come in all shapes and sizes so they don't have to be a large species if your garden space doesn't allow it. Dwarf patio fruit trees can even be planted in a pot, providing blossom for bees and fruit for you.  Trees will provide shelter and potential nesting sites for birds.

Leave a patch or corner of uncut grass. This simple act creates a safe refuge for wildlife, while helping to protect the soil from drying out or eroding in harsh weather. It’s a low-effort way to make a big impact for biodiversity.

Plant some wildflowers. A mixture of annuals and perennials are ideal as the annuals will flower in the first year while the perennials develop. These perennials will then flower in year 2 or 3. Although the annuals will die off in the first year, they will set seed. Wildflowers provide pollen and nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Having a range of wildflowers with different flowering times throughout the year will help spread out the food source.

Adding a water source is great for attracting wildlife. This can be a bird bath to provide a drink and bathing opportunity for birds or even a pond. Ponds don't have to be large and can simply be a decorative barrel or a large tub sunken into the ground. Not only do ponds attract birds for a drink but also amphibians and insects.

Put up some bird boxes to help encourage birds to nest. Make sure these are away from a cat's reach and ideally in a sheltered area.

Hedges and climbers provide shelter and great nesting sites for birds.

Leave a gap in your fence to allow wildlife like hedgehogs or frogs to move between gardens.

Remember, even the smallest changes can make a big difference. By creating space for nature in your garden, you're helping to support wildlife, improve biodiversity, and bring your outdoor space to life. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your garden become a haven for the natural world.