Wildlife Gardening

Join us

Protect local wildlife

Although each garden on its own may be small, together they form a patchwork linking urban green spaces with nature reserves and the wider countryside

Our gardens represent a vast living landscape; and with an estimated 16 million gardens in the UK, the way they are managed can make a big difference to wildlife. Hedgehogs, sparrows, song thrushes and stag beetles are all declining species in the UK, but if we manage our gardens sympathetically for wildlife, these creatures and many more will feel the benefits. Gardens are increasingly important spaces for wildlife as habitats in the wider countryside shrink and fragment, and climate change takes its toll.

Everyone can garden for wildlife

Whether your garden is large or small, you can make a real difference to your local wildlife with a few simple measures. Wild About Gardens, a collaboration between the Royal Horticultural Society and The Wildlife Trusts, is a fantastic source of information. They have also produced a searchable database, Gardening with Wildlife in Mind, which is a great way of finding out which which wildlife friendly plants you can put in your garden.

The Wildlife Trusts' Guide to Wildlife Gardening

The Wildlife Trusts' have produced a leaflet which offers advice on creating and maintaining a wildlife garden. You can view this as a pdf by clicking here.

Feeding your garden birds

Feeding your garden birds is important all year round, but even more so during harsh winters. Vine House Farm offers a wide range of bird food and every sale supports The Wildlife Trusts.

Watch Potteric Carr Nature Reserve Education Manager Helen talking about the various types of bird feeders and demonstrating how to make a fat-ball feeder here.

Don't have a garden?

You can still get involved by managing allotments sensitively or by helping out with a community garden. Pearson Park wildlife garden is a fantastic example of a wildlife friendly garden in an urban environment. You can find out more on our webpages or by following their progress on facebook.