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Many species are now becoming increasingly dependant on gardens for food and shelter, especially in Winter. It is possible to garden in a way that is beneficial to wildlife, creating your very own nature reserve. Food, Water and Shelter are vital to all animals, but as you will see, some varities of plant and tree will be more suitable for your wildlife reserve than others.

Put bird food on a bird table or in a hanging container. Keep it out in the open, away from cover which may hide cats.

Plant native species of trees, shrubs and flowers, but never remove them from the wild. These support more insect and bird life than ornamental species. Buddleia is great for butterflies, Berberis and Honeysuckle attract birds.

Sow a mix of wild flower seeds, or see what grows naturally to create a wildflower area. The flowers should recede them selves if you only cut them once or twice a year (mid-late Summer or Autumn). Weed the area by hand rather than using pesticides.

Planting fruit bearing bushes such as Berberis and Holly provides food for birds in the Autumn. During the Winter months you can help them survive the cold weather by putting out wild bird seed or nuts. Once you start you should continue feeding through the Winter as the birds will have become dependant on you.

Fill a shallow bowl with fresh water an put it near bird food, especially when natural sources are frozen or dried-up.

During the late summer, young hedgehogs need extra food in order to build up their fat reserves for winter. A mixture of dog food, bread and water or scrambled egg are very nutritious.

A nesting box may also attract birds, but it does take time. Put it up well before the nesting season to give them time to get used to it.

Hedgehogs can be very useful for controlling slugs and will appreciate an undisturbed compost heap, pile of leaves or a box under a thick hedge to snuggle up in.