Do you long to hear the humming of the bees and the chirping of the birds? Maybe you want to sit and watch the butterflies flutter from one flower to another. Although most households are lucky enough to have a backyard, an increase in hard landscaping has made it difficult for homeowners to attract local wildlife.
Discover how to create a wildlife-friendly backyard in just six simple steps. Plus, find out what types of wildlife you don’t want in your outdoor space and how to deter them.
- Feed the birds
If you want to encourage birds to enter your backyard, then the easiest way to do this is by feeding them. You can buy bird feeders online or you can make your own DIY bird feeders with just a few simple supplies.
If squirrels are a problem in your area, then you can get squirrel-proof feeders that only allow small birds to access the food that you put out.
- Create a compost heap
There are so many benefits to creating a compost heap in your backyard including the ability to support and attract local wildlife. A compost heap helps to reduce food waste and provides a safe haven for minibeasts. It’s very easy to create one and you don’t need a lot of space for one.
Plus, in the colder months of the year, hedgehogs may use your compost heap to hibernate in.
- Plant a tree
If you have the space, then planting a tree can help to attract lots of different types of wildlife into your backyard. Trees provide a habitat and food for insects, birds, and small mammals, and are also great for the soil.
That said, you need to read these tips on protecting your trees from deer as this can be a big problem, especially for young trees that aren’t as hardy.
- Add a small pond
If you grow any fruit or veggies and struggle with pests in your backyard, then a pond can help you to banish these for good. A small pond provides a great way to keep frogs, newts, and toads happy, and may also attract dragonflies during the summer months.
If you only have a small backyard, you can still benefit from installing a pond, just make sure that it doesn’t have sloping sides so if any animals fall in, they can easily get out.
- Have a wide range of plants
To attract butterflies and moths to your backyard, you need to have a wide range of different plants. Although most will feed on almost any flower’s nectar, some species are a little bit pickier and require a specific plant.
Try to grow a wide variety of plant species that bloom at different times of the year as this will give you the best chance of attracting a variety of butterflies to your backyard.
- Don’t over-mow
If you like the look of a manicured lawn or prefer low-maintenance artificial grass, then this could be why you’re not attracting any wildlife. Longer grass is a good spot for insects to lay their eggs and it also provides shelter under its stalks.
Weeds such as dandelions are also important for your backyard’s ecosystem, providing a great source of nectar for bees and butterflies. Even nettles and thistles have a purpose, feeding caterpillars.
