10. Management with wildlife in mind

Gardens don't need to be ‘wild’ to be fantastic for wildlife. In fact, a cottage garden with beautifully kept flower borders will attract much more wildlife then an untidy garden that has been given over to brambles. However, you do need to consider what impact your garden management might have on the species living in it - think about what time of year it might be best to carry out work so as not to disturb wildlife. Unfortunately, those lovely sunny summer days may not always be the best time for major gardening projects! Using organic methods in your garden will also have huge benefits for the food chain and water resources for both wildlife and people.

Nature Street examples:

  • Refrain from clearing ponds when they are thriving with tadpoles. If you really need to clear a pond, wait until the quieter autumnal months.
  • Don’t be tempted to use chemicals to enhance the growth of plants. It is usually not necessary and only encourages vigorous grasses and plants to take over.
  • Leave jobs like cutting hedges until January or February once the berries have been eaten by hungry winter wildlife, but before birds start to nest.
  • Don’t relocate bug homes until freshly-emerged solitary bees have left in March, April and May.
  • Refrain from using slug pellets and other forms of chemical repellent as they can poison wildlife higher up the food chain such as birds and hedgehogs.
  • Consider its value to nature when deciding whether you need to clear the algae, moss or lichen growing on your garden path.

Posted in: Nature Street on 09 July 2015


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