How to Make Your Backyard a Wildlife Haven

Why Create a Wildlife Garden in Suffolk?

Suffolk's unique landscape, with its mix of coastal, woodland, and heathland habitats, supports a diverse range of wildlife. However, many species are under pressure due to habitat loss and climate change. By creating a wildlife garden, you can:

• Provide essential habitats for local species
• Create corridors that connect fragmented natural areas
• Support pollinators crucial for local agriculture and ecosystems
• Contribute to urban cooling and carbon sequestration
• Enhance your own wellbeing through connection with nature
• Educate family and neighbors about local biodiversity

Your garden can become a vital piece in the patchwork of habitats that support Suffolk's wildlife, from the iconic barn owl to the humble hedgehog.

Seasonal Gardening for Wildlife in Suffolk

Suffolk's climate and the changing needs of wildlife throughout the year mean that your garden care should adapt with the seasons. Here's a more detailed look at what you can do each season to support local wildlife:

Spring (March to May)

As nature awakens from winter, spring is a crucial time for wildlife in your garden. Many species are breeding and raising young, so providing food and shelter is essential.

• Plant native wildflower seeds to support pollinators
• Install bird boxes before the breeding season peaks
• Create a small pond or water feature for amphibians and insects
• Set up feeding stations for birds, but avoid bread which can be harmful
• Plant early-flowering bulbs like crocuses and snowdrops for early pollinators

Summer (June to August)

Summer is the peak of activity in your wildlife garden. With longer days and warmer temperatures, it's a time of abundance for many species.

• Maintain water sources, keeping them clean and topped up
• Let areas of grass grow longer to provide habitat for insects and small mammals
• Create bug hotels using hollow stems, wood, and other natural materials
• Plant nectar-rich flowers like lavender, foxgloves, and cornflowers
• Add a butterfly garden with species like buddleia and verbena

Autumn (September to November)

As temperatures cool, wildlife begins to prepare for winter. Your garden can provide crucial resources for this preparation.

• Leave fallen leaves in corners of the garden for hibernating insects
• Plant spring bulbs for early nectar next year
• Create log piles for hibernating hedgehogs and insects
• Add bird feeders with high-energy foods like sunflower seeds and suet
• Plant berry bushes like rowan and hawthorn for winter food

Winter (December to February)

Winter can be challenging for wildlife, but your garden can provide a lifeline during these cold months.

• Maintain bird feeders regularly, ensuring a consistent food supply
• Create shelter spots with dense vegetation or purpose-built hibernation boxes
• Leave seed heads on plants for birds to feed on
• Add winter flowering plants like mahonia and winter jasmine
• Keep water sources unfrozen by floating a small ball on the surface

Suffolk's Unique Wildlife: What to Look Out For

Suffolk's diverse landscapes support a wide array of wildlife. Here are some key species to look out for in your wildlife garden:

Birds

Suffolk is a birdwatcher's paradise, with coastal, woodland, and farmland species. Common garden visitors include the European Robin, Blue Tit, and Blackbird. You might also spot less common species like the Song Thrush, whose numbers have declined in recent years. By providing food, water, and nesting sites, you can support these beautiful creatures year-round.

Plants

Native plants are the foundation of any wildlife garden. They've evolved alongside local wildlife and provide the best support for the ecosystem. Look out for Common Foxglove, Wild Primrose, and Field Maple. These plants not only add beauty to your garden but also provide food and shelter for various species.

Insects

Insects are crucial for a healthy garden ecosystem. They pollinate plants, control pests, and provide food for birds and mammals. Keep an eye out for butterflies like the Red Admiral and Large White, as well as bees such as the Common Carder Bee and Buff-tailed Bumblebee. Creating areas with wildflowers and leaving some 'wild' patches in your garden will encourage these beneficial insects.

Essential Garden Features for Wildlife

Creating a wildlife-friendly garden involves more than just planting native species. It's about creating a diverse ecosystem with various habitats and resources. Here's a deeper look at some essential features:

Water Features

Water is crucial for wildlife. A pond or even a small water feature can attract a wide range of species, from birds and insects to amphibians. When creating a water feature:

• Ensure there are shallow edges for easy access and exit
• Include a variety of water plants for shelter and oxygenation
• Keep the water clean and topped up, especially in dry periods
• Consider a moving water feature to attract birds with the sound

Plant Diversity

A diverse range of plants provides food and shelter throughout the year. Consider:

• Native trees and shrubs for nesting sites and food
• Flowering plants with different bloom times to support pollinators
• Berry-producing plants for autumn and winter food
• Ground cover plants for insects and small mammals
• Climbers and vines for vertical habitats

Wildlife Shelters

Providing shelter is crucial for attracting and protecting wildlife. Include:

• Bird boxes of various sizes and designs for different species
• Insect hotels made from bamboo, wood, and other natural materials
• Log piles for beetles, fungi, and small mammals
• Dense vegetation and bramble patches for nesting and hiding
• Hedgehog houses in quiet corners of the garden

Feeding Stations

While natural food sources are ideal, supplementary feeding can support wildlife, especially in harsh weather:

• Bird feeders with a variety of foods (seeds, nuts, fat balls)
• Ground feeding areas for species like blackbirds and robins
• Butterfly and bee feeding stations with sugar water or ripe fruit
• Remember to clean feeding areas regularly to prevent disease spread