Declining Garden Wildlife You Can Help Save

Any garden, big or small, can become the perfect tool to support the ecosystem and play its part in saving the planet from global warming. While helping all wildlife is paramount, some species suffer more than others, and their numbers are dwindling fast. Here are 5 declining garden wildlife species you can help save!

Unfortunately, the population of these beautiful singing creatures is falling fast. The significant factors are that natural food and nesting holes are rapidly declining. Parks, playgrounds, and gardens are designed to look neater, our woodland areas have fewer trees, and we have a high volume of newly built houses that lack handy nooks and crannies that birds can nest in. Unfortunately, all these factors combined have contributed to a decrease in the population of many bird species.

How can I help wild birds in the garden?

• Place bird feeders in your outdoor space and regularly top up with good quality bird food.
• Place a shallow dish of clean water in your garden to keep your birds hydrated
• Put up a nest box for birds to use for nesting and roosting
• Plant bushes and shrubs to give birds shelter and protection
• Clean feeders and feeding stations to prevent diseases from spreading.

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Sadly, these helpful pest controllers are declining in the UK. The leading cause is human activity resulting in habitat loss and disruptions. Our most common bat, the pipistrelle, has fallen in population by 70% between 1978 and 1993. 

How can I help bats in the garden?

• Grow night-scented flowers like honeysuckle and star jasmine to attract insects for food. 
• Put up a bat box for nesting
• Keep cats indoors at night (cat attacks also contribute to the decline in the population of bats)
• Have a regular source of clean water outside to keep bats hydrated
• Grow hedgerows and trailing plants like ivy so bats can use them for roosting

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So why are we allowing such an essential insect to die out? Out of 2000 bee species, nearly 1 in 10 are facing the threat of extinction. Despite this terrifying statistic, there are currently no laws or legislation to protect them in the UK. So it's up to us and our gardens to save them!

How can I help Bees in the garden?

• Fill your garden with plants high in pollen and nectar 
• Mow less to allow your garden to grow more nature friendly
• Water plants regularly, so bees have access to drinking water
• Avoid using pesticides
• Place a bee nest box in the garden to provide shelter

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Unfortunately, these colourful creatures are too facing a decrease in numbers. Over the past four decades, 76% of the UK's resident and common migrant butterfly species declined in either abundance or occurrence (or both). 

How can I help butterflies in the garden?

• Grow nectar-rich flowers in sunny places (butterflies love the warmth!)
• Leave fallen fruit on the ground as butterflies are particularly fond of sweet goods, especially apples, plums, and strawberries. 
• Cut down on weeding to allow your garden to grow more nature friendly
• Avoid using pesticides
• Place a butterfly box outside so butterflies can use for shelter

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How can I help hedgehogs in the garden?

• Start an open compost heap that hedgehogs can use for shelters in the daytime.
• Place a Hedgehog Barn in your garden to keep hoggies safe from harm
• Place a shallow bowl of hedgehog food in the garden at dusk
• Provide a regular clean water supply using a shallow dish
• Cut a hole in the fence for hedgehogs to get around more safely