Creating a garden full of life isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about building a sanctuary where nature can thrive side by side with you. Not only does such a space support biodiversity, but it also brings joy as you watch it blossom with life. Let’s explore how you can transform your garden into a thriving wildlife haven. Also read how to build a garden pond for wildlife.
Rewild Your Garden is an illustrated guide to bring wildlife back to your garden, often by just leaving things be. In this practical guide, horticulturalist Frances Tophill (a presenter on BBC 4’s Gardener’s World) shows how to plan and maintain a beautiful garden that will attract bees, birds and a throng of unsung garden heroes. Whether you have a small balcony or a large open space, discover the joys of welcoming natural ecosystems back to your garden.
Use no-dig gardening to protect wildlife. Use fruit protection bags (over netting, which can trap birds and wildlife). Learn how to create gardens safe for pets (use humane slug/snail deterrents).
Read how to help stop birds flying into windows. Chooe plain wooden bird boxes (site between north and north-east to protect from harsh weather, with a clear path to hide from predators). Never buy coloured tin birdhouses, these overheat and attract predators.
Use small mesh netting (less than 5mm) over fruit trees, to prevent entanglement of wildlife (smaller netting can prevent pollination, so timing of netting trees is important). Prevent netting lying on the ground, as it can entangle ground-dwelling wildlife. Preferably tie bottom of netting around tree trunks. It can help to use a frame, so there is tautness in netting. Tolga Bat Hospital
Download Patch of the Planet’s self-paced course 10 Steps to a Nature Garden. This is by a couple of expert ecological gardeners, who know everything there is to know about gardening, pollination, insects and wildlife-friendly gardening.
Books to Help Create a Wildlife Garden
Planting with Nature is a beautiful book on how we can support local wildlife and tackle the climate crisis, through gardening. The book includes tips on planting nectar-rich borders, native hedgerows, trees and wildflower meadows, plus rain gardens, green roofs and ponds. Together with providing homes for birds, mammals, amphibians, bees and insects, you’ll find new ways to grow food, and make your own compost.
Second Nature is the story of how an award-winning gardener created a wildlife oasis from a patch of untended ground, with help from her husband and friends. Tucked away in a hidden valley, England, this place is now buzzing with wildlife due to perennials, trees, herbs, vegetables and a meadow. The space teems with life: owls and blackbirds, bats and mice, butterflies and bees – all drawn by pollen-rich flowers, ponds and nesting sites.
In this book, Susie takes us through the planning and construction of how she designed the garden, and how it blends harmoniously with the surrounding environment. From plants to shelters and habitats, every element reflects her commitment to sustainability. This account is sure to inspire and provides practical advice, as well as a sense of her deep appreciation for the natural world. And the transformative power of building an outdoor sanctuary, for all species to thrive.
Susie White is a garden and travel writer, wildlife photographer and lecturer. She also created Chesters Walled Garden on Hadrian’s Wall (Northumberland). Other interests include upland hay meadows, archaeology and the landscape/walks of the North Pennines, Northumberland and Lake District.
