Want to make your garden more wildlife-friendly from Saverstreet
Without turning it into an overgrown sanctuary?
Good news — you don’t need to dig up the lawn or build a full nature reserve. Instead, you can make small changes that have a real impact on local wildlife. Even better, your outdoor space will feel more alive, more colourful, and far more rewarding.
Although many people think wildlife gardening requires lots of land, the truth is much simpler. Because nature works in layers, even a small garden can support birds, bugs, hedgehogs, frogs, and butterflies. And when thousands of us make these small changes, our gardens link together to form “wildlife corridors”. These help creatures move, nest, feed, and survive.
Before we begin, here’s one important reminder. That old tree in your outdoor space, even if it isn’t perfect, is already a thriving wildlife hub. Sometimes the best action is simply leaving nature to do its thing.
So, with that in mind, let’s explore five easy, practical tips you can do today.
Tip 1: Think Upwards – Make the Most of Vertical Space
Most UK gardens have fences and walls rather than long, fluffy hedges. Fortunately, this is not a problem. In fact, vertical surfaces give you a brilliant opportunity to add height, cover, colour, and food for wildlife. And because climbers can grow almost anywhere, even shady corners can become wildlife hotspots.
Start by choosing suitable climbing plants. These give birds safe nesting spots and sheltered resting places. They also provide nectar, berries, and insects. As a result, your simple fence becomes a living, breathing ecosystem.
You could try evergreen ivy for winter shelter. Or go for honeysuckle if you want evening scent and nectar for moths. If your garden has a shady corner that feels “dead”, hops are perfect. Birds love them, and butterflies use them as a caterpillar host plant.
Climbing plants also create a beautiful garden illusion. Because they soften hard edges and draw the eye upwards, they make outdoor spaces feel larger and more natural.
Tip 2: Choose Nest Boxes and Feeders That Actually Help
Walking into a garden centre can be overwhelming. There are cute boxes, colourful boxes, novelty boxes, and “rustic” boxes everywhere. But although they look charming, many do not meet the needs of real birds or bats. Some have holes in the wrong place. Others lack ventilation. Many are simply ornamental.
So, to help wildlife, choose boxes from trustworthy wildlife suppliers or conservation charities. They are designed with the correct dimensions, materials, and safety features.
Where you place each box also matters. Bird nest boxes should face north or east. This avoids overheating during summer because the midday sun hits the south and west sides. Stable temperatures give chicks a better chance to survive.
Bat boxes work differently. They prefer warmth, so place them on south or west-facing walls. Always mount them at least 3 metres high. This gives bats space to swoop in and out safely.
You can explore suitable options here:
Bird Boxes (paid link)
Bat Boxes (paid link)
When your boxes are up, be patient. It may take a season or two for wildlife to discover them. But once they do, you’ll be rewarded with regular visitors.
Tip 3: Add Water – The One Thing That Helps Everything
If you only do one thing for wildlife, make it water. Every creature needs it. Birds drink and bathe. Bees and butterflies sip from the edges. Hedgehogs stop by for a drink. Frogs and newts will appear if they can.
And the best part? Your garden does not need a large pond. You can help wildlife with:
- A shallow bowl or birdbath
- A mini container pond
- A buried bucket with stones for safe exit
- A glazed plant saucer refreshed each day
Because water is scarce in many gardens, even a simple dish becomes a lifeline. It works like a café for wildlife, drawing in visitors from all around.
However, do remember safety. If young children use your garden, choose very shallow designs or raised birdbaths.
Clean water regularly too. This reduces algae, prevents bacteria build-up, and protects garden birds.
Tip 4: Mow Less, Smile More – Let Nature Grow a Bit
Most gardeners feel pressure to keep lawns neat. But perfect lawns are ecological deserts. They offer almost nothing for pollinators or small creatures. However, when grass grows even slightly longer, a whole world of insects appears.
Therefore, mow every two weeks instead of weekly. This small change creates patches of flowers that appear naturally. Clover, daisies, buttercups, and speedwell begin to bloom. As a result, bees and butterflies gain a nectar source, and birds gain a new food supply.
If you want to go further, consider leaving a small area of longer grass. You can still keep your garden looking tidy by cutting paths through it. This balances neat design with genuine wildlife support.
Wildflower meadows need more care than people think. But even a small strip or sprinkled area can transform your garden. They add colour, movement, and life.
Try:
Popular Wildflower Seeds (paid link)
Tip 5: Create Creature Doorways – Make Your Garden Connected
Wildlife needs to travel. Sadly, many gardens today are boxed in with solid fences, gravel boards, and concrete bases. Although this keeps pets in, it also keeps hedgehogs, frogs, and ground creatures out.
A simple fix is a small hole at the bottom of a fence or gate. Even a 13cm square hole, about the size of a CD case, becomes a hedgehog highway. When neighbours join in, whole communities become accessible to wildlife.
You can also add log piles, leaf piles, and stones to create sheltered pathways. These natural features give wildlife more safe places to rest and feed.
Want to offer hedgehogs even better support? Try a shelter. They are brilliant for nesting, hibernation, and daytime resting.
Try:
Hedgehog House (paid link)
Final Thought
You don’t need acres of countryside to make a difference. In fact, even a small patio or balcony can help local wildlife. By adding a climber, creating a water source, mowing less, installing proper nest boxes, or cutting a hedge-hog sized gap, you give nature a place to thrive.
Every garden matters. Every flower matters. Every little change adds up.
Do it for the bees, birds, butterflies, and yes… even the bats. They all play a role. And your outdoor space is more powerful than you think.
Why Choose Our Products for Your Wildlife Project?
According to experts at the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society), research and preparation are essential for any garden improvement. Planning your wildlife features carefully gives you better results and reduces wasted time and money.
Insects are the foundation of life. They pollinate food crops, feed birds, and maintain balance in almost every ecosystem. Sadly, insect numbers continue to drop. But every wildlife-friendly garden helps. By adding safe places for creatures to eat, drink, shelter, and nest, you contribute to a healthier environment.
Because we believe in quality, SAVERSTREET offers products that are:
- Hand-selected
- Quality-tested
- Loved by customers
- Backed by reliable, trusted suppliers
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