A healthy wildlife population also helps with pest control in the garden. Some birds pick off aphids, hedgehogs, toads and frogs consume slugs while lacewings, ladybirds and hoverflies eat sap sucking garden pests. Wildlife gardeners seldom use chemicals to control pests because of the risk it carries to wild creatures. Once a wildlife garden is established infestations of pests hardly ever reach damaging levels.

 To attract wildlife into the garden grow a diversity of native species these will include several so called weeds, these being essential food for emerging caterpillars and butterflies. You will be able to observe wild creatures at close quarters and enjoy the feel good factor that is derived from playing a small part in wildlife conservation.

 Plant plenty of colourful nectar rich flowers that attract beneficial insects. A shrub border and hedge will supply good shelter for nesting birds, plant some autumn fruiting shrubs for them to feed off. Thistle and grass like plants are good for seed eating birds that also like the seed heads of perennials, so delay tidying borders until early spring. A garden pond is a most important feature for attracting wildlife, make sure the side of the pond slope gently so that animals can drink and bathe. Log piles placed in out of the way places in the garden can provide a home for insects, hibernating hedgehogs and toads.