Wildlife-friendly Gardening
Cultivating a garden that is not only attractive, but also provides a habitat to support a wide range of wildlife, is one of the most direct ways that we as individuals and families can make a big difference for nature’s welfare. Imagine the impact we could make collectively if all our gardens provided opportunities for shelter and subsistence. Linking gardens, large and small, can enable corridors for more abundant wildlife; adding your natural nourishment to the sum of local wildlife sustenance.
As a group we in Goathland are encouraging our neighbours and friends to think about how they could make a few small changes that can have a big impact upon nature. Providing shelter by planting native shrubs and having a few log-piles, rocks or even leaf piles in corners. Homes for birds, bees, bats and hedgehogs provide opportunities for wildlife to multiply!
Water
Nothing attracts nature like water. You don’t have to construct a lake. A small pond will bring life to your garden. Even a bucket or container pond will provide a valuable source of water. A bird bath can provide an attractive feature and a bog or wet area in the garden can enable you to grow an array of different plants.
Dragonfly in garden pond, North Yorkshire Moors
Food
Providing food for insects and birds is another important aspect of wildlife-friendly gardening. Leaving a wild patch or wild flower area to encourage bees and insects. Plant some berry bearing shrubs and plants for the birds. Hang bird feeders in your garden and enjoy watching them at your leisure.
Gardening Methods
Of course, it also helps to avoid some of the modern intensive methods of gardening and adopt more natural approaches. Peat free compost is ideal and avoid insecticides or slug pellets. Perhaps think about leaving seed heads and stems left uncut over winter for the birds to feed on. Managing a wildlife-friendly garden doesn’t mean letting everything grow wild. Instead, it is a little scruffy by design!
Further information
To get some further ideas and hopefully inspiration, come to one of our Goathland Wildlife-friendly Open Garden Days.
Why not consider applying for a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT) Gardening Award
