However, it's not just us humans who benefit from our outside spaces, so shed and log cabin retailer, Tiger Sheds, has compiled tips and advice on how any keen naturist can adapt their green space to attract a variety of wildlife all year round, and also create a safe space for these welcome visitors.
Bird Haven
Introducing a bird box, bath or bird feeder into your garden is one of the best ways to attract feathered friends, especially during the upcoming colder months. Ensure your bird box is up high and covered with leaves or tree branches to provide shelter - they should also be stocked with feed, such as fat balls, nuts, sunflower seeds and kitchen scraps, so wildlife is attracted by the tasty treats. Birdbaths should be kept full, clean and when it starts to get chilly, ice should be removed if it starts to form.
Pond Life
A pond installed in a garden is a great feature for encouraging wildlife - this can be made from a trough and doesn’t have to be large to have an impact. However, it should be uncovered at all times (specifically from ice during the winter months) to enable animals to drink and bathe in the water. Ensure water lilies are present so the water does not become stagnant, along with other pond plants such as blue iris and mosaic plants, and place in an area that is neither fully shaded or fully sunlit.
On the Fence
Make sure small animals aren’t prohibited from entering your garden via the fence, which should have some gaps at the bottom, allowing creatures to roam. A great nest for bees can be created by drilling holes into logs or wood blocks and placing these inside a wooden box on top a sunny fence.
Un-tidy up
To attract butterflies and insects during spring and summer, leave the grass to grow longer, and if fallen leaves and twigs end up messing up your garden it’s best to leave them there for hedgehogs and other small animals, as these will be useful for them to build their nests for hibernation during the winter months. A hedgehog ‘house’ can be built from sticks and branches, where they can feel at home and curl up in until Spring.
Climb and grow
Growing climbing plants and flowers such as ivy, clematis, honeysuckle and roses will be a great playground for insects and will provide shelter for small birds even through the winter. Flowers are also a fantastic source of food and pollen, as well as bringing glorious scents and colours to outdoor space. It is best to avoid flowers that are too large, such as hydrangeas and peonies or double flowers, as these won’t contain enough pollen and nectar to attract bees or small birds.
Befriend the weeds
Nettles, buttercups, dandelions and daisies can provide food for many insects, especially beautiful butterflies. These can also look pretty in gardens, rain or shine. Fruit tree and plants such as apricot, nectarine and peach trees can also attract squirrels.
Compost Heap
As well as being an environmentally-friendly method of getting rid of home food waste and paper, having a compost heap in the garden will provide the ideal habitat for insects such as woodlice, frogs and worms. Compost will also help flowers bloom, as it creates a healthy nutrient filled soil, created without packaging or road miles - and it's also free.
