Get close to nature this summer by making your outdoor space a haven for birds, butterflies and beautiful pollinating insects. Whether you have an urban oasis or a countryside garden, there are plenty of ways to increase biodiversity.
As we get our gardens in shape, Homebase has partnered with Springwatch presenter Iolo Williams to encourage wildlife into our outdoor spaces. With previous research discovering that birdsong can make us happier, now is the perfect time to welcome those garden visitors.
Take a look at the seven simple things you can do to make life better for birds at home...
1. Feed the birds with the correct food
When it comes to backyard bird feeding, it can be tempting to feed our feathered friends leftovers, however some foods don't contain the necessary protein and fat birds need from their diet.
'Most people don't realise that bread can be harmful for birds. It offers very little nutrition and can fill up a bird's stomach. You should put out a variety of high energy foods, such as fat balls, peanuts, mixed seeds and sunflower hearts,' says Iolo.
2. Don't forget to put up nest boxes
Suitable for small and larger garden birds, nest boxes are ideal for encouraging families of birds to make your garden their home.
Not sure when to put one up? Iolo advises: 'Winter, not spring, is the best time to put up nest boxes for birds. This gives them plenty of time to get used to the boxes before the start of the breeding season. Place boxes on trees or walls out of reach of people and cats, and avoid placing them on hot, south-facing walls.'
3. Ensure there's enough water outside
Water is as important as food to most garden birds, not only for drinking but also for bathing. If you don't have a birdbath, consider placing a small shallow bowl of fresh water outside each day.
'A small garden pond is ideal, but a bowl of water or even an upturned bin lid will suffice. Water is also important for mammals such as hedgehogs, whereas milk is very harmful and can cause diarrhoea and sickness,' adds Iolo.
4. Don't cut back ivy
Hailed as one of the best plants for wildlife, ivy provides refuge for birds to nest. While many people will cut it back, Iolo explains that it's brilliant for wood pigeons, blackbirds and overwintering blackcap, who all love to feast on their berries.
5. Outdoor space doesn't matter
Whether you have a sprawling countryside garden or a tiny terrace in the city, there is still lots you can do to attract wildlife. 'Growing potted plants such as lavender and mint is excellent for bees and other pollinators,' suggests Iolo. 'You can also grow climbing plants such as honeysuckle against the railings. These provide nectar and pollen for insects, berries for birds.'
6. Go wild
Bring your garden to life with a magic wildflower meadow. Perfect for welcoming bees, butterflies and other insects, patches of wildflowers are both beautiful and low-maintenance. Some of the seeds to consider spreading including goldfinch, siskin and bullfinch.
7. Plant a small orchard
'Apple and pear trees attract hundreds of bees when they are in full blossom in spring and some of the fruits can be left out for thrushes and other wildlife over the autumn and winter months,' says Iolo.
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