Please note - Numbers in brackets refer to further information FREE leaflets in this series on particular topics List the subjects you're interested in and send with an SAE to the UWP. Address on the back page.
Introduce a native species to your hedge, such as dogwood or hawthorn. This will provide a nesting site in summer and a store of berries for birds over winter and a wonderful display for you in every season. (4)
Beneath your hedge, plant a seed mix of native hedge row species such as betony, hedge woundwort and primrose. Many mixes are available from the suppliers on the back page of this leaflet. Native species provide food plants for many important insects and other invertebrates. (4) (6)
Grow your own veg in a wildlife friendly way. Cut down on chemicals by using organic
alternatives, reduce the amount you spend each week at the shops and enjoy the fresher tastier produce you can grow right on your doorstep. (8)
Keep a washing up bowl full of water, or even better build a pond! All animals need water to survive, and you'll be amazed what creatures will discover even the smallest reliable source of water. (3) (5)
Leave an area of your garden untended and see what develops. You may get to discover some wonderful species that have been mown half to death but suddenly flourish! Rare orchids have been known to appear in the most unexpected places. (2) (8)
Put a bird table on a shelf, perhaps next to a window. You can lean out and feed the birds, but the cats will find it very difficult to reach their prey. (5) (6)
Grow a fruit tree and leave some of the fruits on the trees for the birds in winter. (6)
Have a compost bin - a free source of fertiliser, soil improver and a great way to cut down on landfill. (8)
Keep your cat in overnight, cats hunt from dusk 'til dawn so by keeping moggy in overnight, you will be saving several birds and small mammals from certain death! Many creatures are most active at dawn so this is the time to have your cat indoors. (6)
Grow ivy up a wall or fence and allow it to develop berries. Many insects and birds are dependent specifically upon ivy as it is one of the few reliable sources of food and shelter throughout the winter. And no, it won't effect your house unless you have old lime mortar! (5) (6)
Leave a pile of logs in a shady spot. You may attract insects that will munch through your pests. Log piles are also an excellent hibernation spot for butterflies, bees, hedgehogs and newts. You may even be lucky enough to find a grass snake or the rare stag beetle. (4) (8)
Use a water butt to collect drainage water from your roof. This is a perfect source of water for plants and ponds and saves streams and rivers in the countryside from the effects of drought. (3) (5)
Create a meadow on an area of lawn. A beautiful, flowery meadow can be mown to a height of 5-10cm for all but three weeks of the year. So no matter how often you use your grass - there's a meadow for you! Mow a patch in the middle of the meadow for the perfect picnic spot. (2)
Avoid creosote on your fence - this is a great place for butterflies and moths to pupate. (5) (6)
Place bat and bird boxes close to the fascias on the shady side of your building. If possible, hide amongst climbers to give the birds a little extra protection. (6)
Plant a few bluebell bulbs or sow birds foot trefoil or camomile seeds in the cracks in your pavement. They will brighten up your path and can release a lovely scent as you walk past. Birds foot trefoil will attract many species of butterfly.
Raise the blades of your mower by 2-3cm and watch the daisies, speedwell and clover add colour to your lawn - enjoy a picnic in a miniature meadow.
Plant annual meadow species in a window box to enjoy a long lived display of flowers then collect a free supply of seeds for next year as the seed heads mature in autumn.
Add plants including Buddleia davadii or a Hebe and other nectar feeders to your border to attract scores of butterflies (6)
Grow herbs and vegetables in pots on your patio or balcony. This will attract bees and butterflies and give you a source of fresh, chemical free salad all summer (5) (8)
Put ferns and other shade tolerant species in pots in a shady passageway. Native evergreens will supply a welcome home in winter for roosting birds and many invertebrates (4) (5)