Spotting a new bird species in the garden can be exciting. But how do you keep them coming?
Wildlife
Can you rewild a garden?
Weaving some wildlife into a garden adds a whole new layer of interest and it’s good for the environment too. Geoff Stonebanks shares his wildlife journey.
How to attract and support insect eating birds
Fed up with caterpillars and bugs in the garden? Then it’s time to attract the birds that eat them.
Butterflies and caterpillars
As a gardener there are a few garden ‘pests’ that can wreak havoc on our plants such as caterpillars. But before you reach for that insecticide take a few moments to really think about what you are doing.
What summer plants attract bees?
Jean Vernon’s guide on five summer flowering plants that will attract bees to your garden.
How to provide safe water for the birds
As a nation we love feeding the birds. But it’s just as important to ensure they have a safe and reliable source of fresh water says Jean Vernon.
Leaf cutter bee
Leaf cutter bees may leave unsightly holes in leaves as they cut small semi-circles to seal in their eggs; but these excellent pollinators are a true gardener’s friend.
Five common garden bees
It’s World Bee Day this coming weekend (May 20th 2023) so it’s the perfect time to tell you a bit more about some of your garden bees.
Gardening for pollinators
Do you want to help the bees, encourage butterflies and harness the power of nature? It’s time to really think about how you can help pollinators, says Jean Vernon.
How to make your lawn more wildlife friendly
At the heart of many gardens is a lush green lawn. But it doesn’t have to be a tightly manicured carpet. Let it live a little so that it grows with nature says Jean Vernon.
Create a wildlife haven in your garden
Debi Holland suggests ways to attract wildlife into your garden.
Bee a better gardener
Once you have taken stock of your plant survivors, spare a thought for some of the other creatures in your garden, in particular the bees.
Gardening for songbirds
Our garden songbirds are in decline, but gardeners can make a huge difference to their survival, not just by providing the correct food.
Wonderful worms
Where would we be without worms? These soil dwelling creatures are responsible for soil health in our gardens. Without these wiggling creatures our soil would be compacted, starved of oxygen and probably waterlogged.
Dandelions
Don’t reach for the weedkiller when you see dandelions. Considered weeds by some, these spring flowers are a vital pollen source for bees.
Nesting birds
There’s a real energy in the spring garden as our feathered friends start to nest.
Nest box know-how
Spring is a great time to install a house for your feathered friends. Jean Vernon has some top tips and advice on siting a nest box in your garden.
Moles in the garden
Mention moles to most gardeners and the conversation immediately turns to lawns. Lovely swaths of manicured lawn punctuated by vast and numerous mounds of freshly, finely tilled soil.
How to prepare for the Big Garden Bird Watch 2023
Garden birds are an essential addition to the healthy garden. You can help document the garden birds by preparing for the Big Garden Bird Watch.
Songbirds
It’s not just the funny bird antics that bring our gardens alive in winter; it’s the bird song that lifts the dullest day and the darkest hour.
Five common garden birds
If you are getting ready for the Big Garden Bird Watch you need to be able to identify some of your common garden birds.
Berries for birds
Grow some plants in the garden that bear berries to help birds through the winter. Pyracantha, ivy, holly and cotoneaster are all good choices.
The king of winter
We might associate the robin with the winter garden, but did you know that the little wren is one of our more common garden birds?
Gardening for wildlife
I can honestly say, when I began my garden way back in 2007, wildlife was not really something that I considered much. How times change. Now, I often stand at the bedroom window, looking out at the beach garden in the front of the house and am constantly amazed at the numbers of birds, mainly […]
Winter bird care
The garden is still rich in autumn fruit, seeds, nuts and berries and also insects, but competition is fierce. Here are 5 ways to help the birds over winter.
How to stop squirrels eating bird food
While they can be entertaining and fun to watch, most gardeners don’t feed the birds to fatten up the squirrels.
Starling murmurations
If you love birds, look out for these magical movements of starlings as they swoop and swirl in magnificent murmurations.
What do I need to know about feeding garden birds?
It might sound daft but there’s a bit more to feeding the birds than putting out birdseed. Jean Vernon offers some timely advice.
How to attract garden birds
As the seasons change the garden birds become more animated in our gardens. Jean Vernon suggests ways to attract more garden birds.
Bats in the garden
Don’t be scared, bats in the garden are a blessing not a curse. These little creatures mostly eat garden bugs as Wildlife World Bat expert Chantal Brown explains.
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