It doesn't matter whether your wild life service station consists of a few tubs or a few acres, the principles for creating one that is attractive and safe for wild creatures are the same.

If you have been persuaded that your garden should be pest free so that as soon as any appear you zap them with a squirt of poison you not only temporarily get rid of the 'pests', but in all probability get rid of natural predators too. There will be no reason for 'higher' forms of wildlife to develop the habit of visiting your garden knowing that they will find a good meal. It's not possible to have a 'sterile' environment and hope to attract a wide variety of wild creatures. So you have to learn to live with the lower forms of life and recognise that they thrive in situations we might consider 'untidy', piles of logs slowly disintegrating, or dead leaves forming a mulch. They are all elements which are part of a fundamental balance. There's a spin off for you too. Undoubtedly you will benefit from being able to take a more relaxed view of at least one aspect of life!

It is one thing to attract creatures to your garden, making sure that it becomes more than a habit for them to do so is another.

1. Water is a basic need for all life. A source, of whatever nature - bird bath to pond, is necessary.
2. The probability that there is a good meal on hand especially during winter months greatly increases the chances of visitors becoming residents. From spring onwards sources of nectar will ensure that there is a steady stream of insects, butterflies and moths, and, provided that the plants are not sterile, seed will be set which will attract other birds. It is that word 'sterile' which is again significant. Many exotic plants have been emasculated as result of intensive interbreeding, or imported plants fail to thrive in our climate with the result that seed are not set. By planting appropriate native wild plants, trees and shrubs as well as flowers you will be providing for the needs of a wide range of creatures.
3. Trees and shrubs have a further use. They provide shelter and a safer environment for your new neighbours to procreate and so ensure that the natural cycle of life is maintained.
4. What are the appropriate native wild plants for your area? If you have not already done so , go back to our Home Page and press the 'Post Code' button to see!