Five Easy Ways to Encourage Wildlife into an Urban Garden

Posted by Evergreen Insurance on 11th April 2022 -

PropertyWorkshop.com’s Russ Jones explains how even a modern urban yard can become a home to nature – while helping to protect some of our most endangered and important wildlife species

There’s a common misconception that wildlife belongs in the countryside. Yet a hugely diverse assortment of animals, birds and insects are constantly looking for food and shelter in modern British towns and cities. From foxes to finches, and from bats to badgers, nature permeates even the most urban environment. Just witness the thriving beehives on top of Canary Wharf towers, or the periodic arrival of hawks and falcons on inner-city rooftops.

There’s another common misconception that only people with significant outdoor space can provide support to the UK’s roster of protected, endangered and ecologically significant species. Again, this isn’t the case. A garden or yard of any size can be developed into a home fit for nature. Below, we’ve listed five affordable and space-efficient ways to counterbalance the urbanisation of former greenbelt land and the lack of open space in many city centres and inner suburban districts.

1.      Add seasonal flowers

The importance of pollenating plants hardly needs stating, and nothing provides a quicker shortcut to the arrival of insects than flowers. Bees and butterflies are constantly searching for new sources of pollen and nectar, so look for long-flowering plants like crocuses and daisies. Bees are particularly keen on foxgloves, while moths love scabious and most pollinating insects will relish marigolds. Even herbs like mint and marjoram can give insects alternative food sources.

2.      Plant shrubs and trees, or grow dense hedging

Again, this doesn’t require a sweeping south-facing plot. While hedging needs a soil bed for its roots to sink into, shrubs and small trees can quite happily exist in planters set on a flagstone yard. The bigger these plants become, the more potential they offer for nesting spiders and birds to take up residence. Ivy can provide food into the winter, while evergreen bushes like laurels provide shelter for nesting birds.  

3.      Install dedicated animal homes

Even the smallest invertebrates need shelter in bad weather. It’s possible to install bat and bird boxes on gable walls or against fences, though bat boxes should be at least three metres off the ground. You can also create a home for smaller creatures by building a bug hotel, packing rolled-up cardboard and moss or straw into unwanted wooden boxes. These provide shelter for all manner of creepy crawlies when hung outside, while larger homes can be constructed for hedgehogs and frogs.

4.      Provide food and water sources

Fruiting and seeding plants offer natural food sources for garden animals, birds and insects alike. Growing your own berry or fruit trees for wildlife to snack on is a helpful act, while fat balls and seed mixers give birds much-needed food sources, especially in winter. Water is also essential for most creatures to survive, sustaining a variety of species. You don’t need to buy a pond or a bird bath – an old saucepan or Tupperware tub will do, providing it’s regularly cleaned and replenished.

5.      Let nature run riot

This might seem counterintuitive, but allowing a patch of grass to escape the fortnightly assault of a lawnmower can support a variety of small mammals including mice, voles and shrews. Caterpillars may also appreciate lengthy grass. A pile of rotting wood in a corner of the garden might look unsightly to you, but it’ll look perfect to beetles. Similarly, a mound of stones could provide a hibernation spot for small amphibians and reptiles throughout the winter months.