There are lots of ways to make your garden a home for animals and insects that are easy, low cost and great fun.
Birdboxes. Create a home for some feathered friends! Bird boxes can be easily bought or make a great project if you’re feeling handy with a hammer. It’s best to use untreated wood so it can weather and blend into the surrounding areas. Always make sure there is the right size hole for the birds to get through, depending on the type of bird you want to attract it can range from 25mm for blue tits – 45mm for starlings.
Animal treats. Animal treats are easy to get hold of but can be a good way to get rid of old nuts and seeds you have lying around. All you need is a length of rope, seed mix, flour, water and cling film. Create balls along the length of rope by attaching the mixture one side at a time using the cling film to avoid mess, and soon enough you’ll have a treat you can hang in the trees for birds and squirrels.
Hedgehog hibernators. All you need is a small wooden box overturned and covered in rocks and leaves. Put it in a place it won’t be disturbed, as hedgehogs like peace and quiet. These are great for homes with artificial lawns because lawn mowers are a big hazard for the little creatures.
Gardens in Bloom. Spring and summer flowers attract all sorts of birds, bees and butterflies with their bright colours and plentiful pollen so time to get planting!
Creepy Crawlies. Put some dried logs in the corner and watch as they become a habitat for beetles and other insects. It’s a good way to teach the kids about recycling as well as using old bits of tree that may have broken off or been cut back.
