Boxing clever - real estate for wildlife

Wild animals have the same basic needs as we do - to eat, drink, reproduce and rest. It is the latter two that nest boxes cater for and now is a good time to install them. Reproduction and resting require somewhere sheltered from rain, frost, wind and sun, and protected against predators. With diminishing natural nest sites, nest boxes are an increasingly important resource.

Holed bird boxes for tits and open-fronted boxes for robins and flycatchers are the most familiar but there are boxes for many other birds including starlings and owls, as well as 'sparrow terraces' with 3 adjoining boxes so they can nest communally. Reproducing mason bees, bumblebees (pictured), bats and hedgehogs are catered for too.

For resting animals (including hibernation) you can obtain boxes for butterflies, ladybirds, lacewings, hedgehogs, bats and frogs.

Some boxes serve both purposes e.g. bird, bat and hedgehog boxes are used for reproduction and resting. Nest boxes are available from wildlife organisations, online wildlife stores and garden centres.

Sedum spectabile - the September spectacle!

Insects, including bees and butterflies, are flocking to the lovely pink flowers of ice plant (Sedum spectabile) in search of late nectar. The seed heads might be taken later by goldfinches. In spring the bracts around the stem will form a water reservoir which attracts insects and small birds.

Some bird species are more noticeable again after lying low for their summer moult. The quiet may be more prolonged for other species as they forego the bird table in favour of the bountiful supply of natural food in the countryside. Others have left or are leaving for warmer continents such as swifts, swallows, pied flycatchers, willow warblers and some blackcaps.

Year-round bird feeding is recommended by leading bird welfare organisations. However, there is no need to overdo it in early autumn. This is a time of plenty, with a variety of natural foods on offer in gardens such as insects, seeds, nuts and fruit.

Mason bees video now on Google Video

Click here to watch mason bee video

When should I do pond maintenance?

Last week we looked at pond creation and this week it's all about maintenance. There is no perfect time for this. Whether you need to drain the pond for repairs or simply remove excess vegetation, it will cause problems for wildlife, removing eggs, larvae and adult aquatic animals. Yet maintenance is essential. A wildlife pond needs to have a reasonable depth of water and it will become stagnant if vegetation is left unchecked. So, like so many things in wildlife gardening, it is all about good timing and minimising disruption.

Maintenance in September causes minimal disturbance to pond animals because most breeding activity has ceased and hibernation has not yet begun. Lay removed vegetation close to the pond edge on a sloping tray or drape over canes above the water to give animals a chance to get back in. Leave plenty of vegetation to ensure that some feeding, breeding and sheltering grounds survive.

A pond for life

September is usually a good time for pond construction. Soils are normally more workable and cooler weather is better for physical work. Here are the basics of good pond design:

A minimum depth of 80cm will prevent the water freezing solid. A minimum surface area of 4m² prevents algae (green slime) forming. Provide at least one gently sloping slide for wildlife to get access to drink (e.g. birds) and exit (e.g. frogs and unfortunate hedgehogs). Slope other sides inwards by 20° so that expanding ice slides up the pond sides rather than forcing against them. Line the soil with old carpet or a thick layer of newspaper to cover sharp stones.

Pond liner is preferable to concrete which cracks and is too alkaline, or preformed plastic ponds which have dangerously steep and slippery sides for wildlife. Pond shelves 25-30cm wide and 25-30cm below the water surface provide a micro habitat e.g. for dragonfly larvae and marginal plants.

I have written an ebook containing detailed information on how to build and stock a pond, available on the Wildlife Garden Website.