The Big Ask
Build a pond in your garden– great for attracting all kinds of wildlife … but do make sure it’s safe if there are children around. The BBC Gardening website has a simple how-to guide.
One-hit Wonder
Put up bat boxes (they need them both for roosting and nesting), and modern buildings rarely contain suitable habitats for bats. The Bat Conservation Trust has plenty of good advice.
One-hit Wonder
Put up some bird boxes – you can make your own, or there are plenty of suppliers: The Nest Box Company claim to only use FSC approved wood, and CJ Wildbird Foods support the RSPB and the Royal Horticultural Society.
Occasional
Join a conservation activity taking place in your local area. The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers is a good place to look at. Your local library may also have information.
One-hit Wonder
Plant things that will attract butterflies and bees, such as buddleia, nettles (in a container in the ground to stop them spreading) and lavender.
Repeating Challenge
Ensure a regular supply of fresh water and food for birds.
Repeating Challenge
Don’t de-head your flowers too quickly. Leave the seeds on for the birds to eat.
One-hit Wonder
Grow some sunflowers and leave the heads on to provide seeds for the birds.
Repeating Challenge
Don’t use garden products that contain peat. Peat bogs sustain a huge variety of living things.
The Big Ask
Plant a hedge from native plants such as hawthorn, which will provide both food and shelter.
Think on This
Spike’s World has lots of good ideas for wildlife friendly gardening, as does the Homes for Wildlife section on the RSPB website.
One-hit Wonder
Plant some native trees. The website British Trees will tell you all you need to know about the species, and you can obtain them from a garden centre, or the Woodland Trust.
Think on This
Look at here for some helpful information on ecological alternatives for outdoor clothing.