Go wild this summer!

Even if you just have a small patio you can create a wildlife haven on your doorstep with a little careful planning. Here are our suggestions on how to go wild in your outdoor space this year...

• Select native plants that provide flowers and fruits in different seasons, as they will provide food all year round.
• If you’re short on space use climbers such as ivy and clematis – they provide places for birds to nest and butterflies to rest.
• Rather than creating fences to divide off areas, plant native hedges – they provide perfect shelters for birds and small mammals.
• Plant pollen rich plants such as buddleia, lavender and sedums.
• Butterflies aren’t keen on the shade so plant in a sunny spot.
• Build a log pile or a bug hotel – the former will provide a home for slow worms and field mice.
• Leave areas of lawn uncut – long grass is great for insects.
• Plant a wildflower meadow
• Don’t pull up your nettles as they attract butterflies.