Small actions can make a world of difference for the birds, bees and beasties, here are some of my gardening plans for our small rectangular plot. So roll on the spring, until then I'll let the seed heads and dry stalks stay for any hibernating insects.
The exterior garden runs south east – north west, it has a chalky, loam soil and along the west side there is a high wall causing shadow from midday in the summer. Later, the northern end of the garden is bathed in afternoon sun which shines through beautiful tall oak, beech and pine trees, along with mature holly bushes. These trees which are near to the house run around the edge of an old hospital estate, we are fortunate they weren't felled when the houses were built.
In this weekend's Big Garden Birdwatch Survey (for the RSPB) I noted in a hour's bird watching that this reassuring strip of old woodland immediately in front of the house provides shelter for woodpigeons, robins, sparrows, blackbirds, blue tits, coal tits, great tits, a nuthatch, song thrush, wren and some crows. How important it is to let our hedges and trees flourish wherever we can.
In contrast, a small interior patio to the rear, has a warmer southerly aspect that is surrounded by brick walls, these will be lined with bee bricks, herbs and sedums for pollinators.
No matter how small your green space or balcony they can be vital pit stops and small refreshing habitats for our native wildlife, here are some links with more information, hopefully encouraging you to try wildlife gardening too:
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