Light up next spring by nurturing the bulbs now

Spring-flowering bulbs such as bluebells, daffodils and grape hyacinth have died back now and the nutrients in the leaves have returned to the bulb. This is a good time, then, for dividing the clumps to multiply stock. It will also renew vigour, ensuring plenty of nectar in spring for butterflies, honey bees and mason bees. Snakeshead fritillaries need to be divided and replanted every 4 years.

Lavender is a popular summer-flowering aromatic shrub and a great addition to the wildlife-friendly garden. The flowers are particularly attractive to butterflies such as meadow browns and late broods of whites. The nectar is also a centre of attention for bees and other insects. The seeds are enjoyed by goldfinches and the leaves are popular with froghopper larvae.

Watch out for blue tits congregating in groups, including the smaller and duller-coloured youngsters. In the pond tadpoles are undergoing the final stages of their dramatic transformation into adults.

Hedgehog hell or hedgehog haven?

Dry spells result in a slug shortage for hedgehogs so you could offer supplementary foods, e.g. sultanas, bananas, unsweetened cereals, cooked potato, veg, rice or pasta. However, never leave out milk or bread which, contrary to popular opinion, can give them stomach upsets. It is unwise to feed hedgehogs by torchlight as they learn to associate bright beams of light with food and they become attracted to vehicle headlights. They have very poor eyesight!

Avoid steep or slippery-sided ponds, or create an escape route. Although hedgehogs can swim well if they fall in, they eventually become exhausted if they can't climb out.

Hedgehogs frequently get stuck in litter e.g. paint cans, food cartons and beer can ringos. Plastic garden netting is a nightmare too, tangling around their little legs and stressing the animal so try raising it off the ground.

Use environmentally friendly wood preservatives as hedgehogs often lick treated surfaces.

Nipping the nettles for nursery nibbles

The warmer weather can lead to excessive growth of algae and pondweed. This needs to be gently removed and left where pond life can find its way back into the water. It makes an excellent addition to the compost heap. Try to avoid other kinds of pond maintenance at this time of year, however, because eggs, such as those of damselflies and dragonflies, may be disturbed or disposed of with plant material.

If you have a nettle nursery for butterflies, cut it down by a third this week. This will provide fresh green shoots for red admirals and a second generation of commas and small tortoiseshells. This is the perfect time of year, ensuring newly laid eggs are not cut away. Existing caterpillars will enjoy the lush new growth. Leave the cuttings on the nettle bed to give caterpillars and other animals chance to find their way back onto living leaves and also to enrich the soil.

Nosey neighbours - are we helping or hindering?

June is a busy month for many wild animals, especially birds, hedgehogs, foxes and bats with young to care for. It can sometimes be tempting to peep at the young in nests but this isn't a good idea. It stresses chicks and they are unable to fly away from the perceived threat. Adults may be very protective of their young at this vulnerable time. Alternatively, they could abandon the nest if they are frightened.

Well-meaning gardeners often worry about birds that have fallen from their nest and take them into their care. This can stress the young birds, however, and it takes specialist knowledge to care for them properly. Most adult birds have strong instincts to look after their young and they will continue to feed them on the ground. The most helpful contribution you can make is to keep cats away. Occasionally, other birds, even those of a different species, will adopt an orphan!

Nosey neighbours - are we helping or hindering?

June is a busy month for many wild animals, especially birds, hedgehogs, foxes and bats with young to care for. It can sometimes be tempting to peep at the young in nests but this isn't a good idea. Adults may be very protective of their young at a vulnerable time or they might abandon the nest if they are frightened.

Well-meaning gardeners often worry about birds that have fallen from their nest and take them into their care. This can stress the young birds, however, and it takes specialist knowledge to care for them properly. Unless they are injured, it also isn't necessary because most adult birds have strong instincts to look after their young and they will continue to feed them on the ground. The most helpful contribution you can make is to keep cats away. Occasionally, other birds, even those of a different species, will adopt an orphan!