Autumn Wildlife Garden

My eye was caught this week by a report on the National Pollinator strategy that has been published. The upshot of this six month consultation was that from farmers to domestic gardeners more can be done help the bee population survive. With this in mind I had a think of what can be done in our own gardens at this time to help all wildlife.

If we are talking about bees we also need to be looking at all insects. The bug house at Clumber Park in the top photograph is very impressive but it does give some ideas how to make your own version at home. Drinking straws, hollow canes and plant stems, hay, and house bricks all make a fine dwelling for a variety of bugs. Alternatively leave a pile of twigs for slugs, centipedes and woodlice to find.

Another way to help insects to to simply do nothing. Don't tidy up and instead leave piles of fallen leaves about. Hedgehogs, toads and frogs love a leaf pile for shelter and protection.

One of the suggestions of the report was to stop mowing lawns. I know for some people a back garden looking like a jungle may not appeal to you. Over autumn and winter this is an easier option but perhaps it's good time of year to think about a patch to leave wild once the spring comes. Birds such as starlings and blackbirds love searching for insects like leatherjackets (more commonly known as Daddy Long Legs or Crane Flies) in long grass.

One of the biggest threats to the bee population is the use of pesticides and in particular neonicotinoids. Bees need flowers for pollination so one of the best options for easy organic planting in your garden is a wild flower meadow. I'm not going to try and convince you that a display like one above is achievable in the autumn but it's definitely worth digging over a patch of soil now so it is ready for sowing next year.

If you have been thinking about having a pond in your garden autumn is the best time to put one in. This will give it time to naturally fill up over the winter and establish it for the spring when egg-laying time will start. Make sure you site it away from any overhanging trees otherwise you will be forever having to clear it. Keep a shallow end and at least one sloping edge to allow easy access for animals to escape out of.

One of the everyday joys I have in my garden is seeing the birds come and feed. Many people think it is not worth putting out feeders as they don't have any birds in their garden. If you don't offer them food they won't come! I always put out seed throughout the year as this seems to attract a variety of birds both large and small. Try out other foods such as fatballs, niger seeds and peanuts. Not all birds will like them. I found that peanuts were not popular and I have now stopped putting them out. Don't be a bird snob! If all you get are sparrows be pleased they have chosen your garden to visit.

We all like a bit of free food birds included! Seeds have to come from somewhere so instead of buying them let sunflowers, thistles and teasels go to seed rather than cutting them back. Also leave fruit such apples and pears on the ground for blackbirds for munch on.

Finally, there's nothing that screams winter is coming than the sight of red berries about when all other trees have shed their leaves. You may not have room for a pyracantha or cotoneaster in your garden but a small holly bush can be fitted in. I have one as part of a line of shrubs in my front garden. What a treat for those winter visiting Redwings and Fieldfares.

Joining the gardening love with Annie at Simple Wanderlust and How Does Your Garden Grow?