How to make a hedge for wildlife
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Hedges provide important shelter and protection for wildlife, particularly nesting birds and hibernating insects.
In spring, birds begin to choose the best places to build nests and raise their young. If you’re lucky, one of these spots may well be in a tree, hedge or bush in your garden. As they set-up home, it’s best to try to disturb them as little as possible, and even give them a helping hand along the way!
Top tips for helping nesting birds:
- Plant a mix of native trees, hedges and large shrubs in your garden to provide shelter and safe perches for birds.
- Avoid disturbing any critters you have in your garden by trimming your hedges and shrubs in autumn and not spring.
- Prepare your garden for migratory birds in spring by setting a bird-feeding station, complete with a bowl of water. Different types of food and perches or hangers will attract different species: find out more about how to feed the birds in your garden.
- Try to keep cats and dogs away from nesting birds. If possible, provide tall trees or hard-to-reach bushes for birds to safely settle in.
Suggested plants:
- Blackthorn - Prunus spinosa
- Common Beech - Fagus sylvatica
- Common Hawthorn - Crataegus monogyna
- Crab Apple - Malus sylvestris
- Field Maple - Acer campestre
- Guelder Rose - Viburnum opulus
- Hazel - Corylus avellana
- Holly - Ilex aquifolium
- Ivy - Hedera helix
- Rowan - Sorbus aucuparia
- Silver Birch - Betula pendula
- Spindle - Euonymus europaeus
More ways you can help wildlife
How to build a swift box
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Swifts like to leave their nests by dropping into the air from the entrance. This is why they often choose to set up camp in the eaves of buildings. If you have a wall that's at least five metres tall, with a clear flyway in front, then installing a swift…
Climate friendly gardening
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There are plenty of ways you can take action against climate change in your own backyard or local greenspace.
Watch what you wash away
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Some cosmetics, soaps, washing-up liquids and cleaning products can be harmful to wildlife with long-lasting effects.
How to make a seed bomb
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Plant wildflower with seed bombs!
Help wildlife in the cold
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The colder months can be a tough time for wildlife, food is scarce and hibernators are looking for shelter. That's why we’ve put together our top tips for maintaining your garden for wildlife in autumn and winter. Spoiler – some of our tips can be done…