3 styles of wildlife gardening to enjoy...

There are three main styles of wildlife gardening. 'Gardening by animal' is the most common. Here, the gardener likes to see or help a particular wild animal so they adjust their garden to make it welcoming. Animals all require food and water, and places to breed and shelter. So, to attract garden birds you would put out bird food and water and install a nest box.

'Gardening by plant' is the second option. This is all about choosing wildflowers that will grow in your soil type and aspect. This provides an extra home for wild flowers that are under pressure in the wild as well as providing food and shelter for wild animals.

The third option, 'Gardening by habitat', involves recreating mini versions of wild habitats, such as a pond, meadow, woodland edge or hedgerow. The habitat will benefit many animals and plants. A garden pond will attract frogs, toads, newts, dragonflies and pond skates, as well as providing a home to marsh marigolds, yellow flag and water buttercup.