Early Bumblebee ©Jon Hawkins/Surrey Hills Photography
Wilder Gardening
Be part of Team Wilder, bringing about the change nature needs together.
Nurturing nature
September is a crucial time for wildlife gardening as many animals are preparing for the colder months ahead. There are a few things you can do to support wildlife during this time. Planting native flowers and shrubs, as these are well-adapted to your local climate and provide food and habitat for local wildlife. Autumn is a good season to create a wildflower meadow. It will benefit birds, bees, butterflies and more as it grows the following year. Also, plant bulbs now that will provide an early source of nectar for pollinators in spring. Snake’s head fritillary, crocus and grape hyacinth are all good choices.
Providing water sources such as simple birdbaths can be a huge difference for birds, bees, butterflies, and small mammals. Leave your sunflower seedheads out as they provide a nutritious food source for birds and other wildlife. Continue to top up bird feeders. The breeding season is not quite over yet, so opt for feed varieties that can be easily given to hungry little ones, like smaller seeds, but include high fat feeds too, to support migrating birds, such as suet treats. Raised beds can provide homes for wildlife while also enriching the soil for plants.
By following these simple steps, you can create a garden that is not only beautiful but also a haven for wildlife during the autumn months.
Photo: Penny Dixie
Garden projects, big and small
We have a whole range of fantastic gardening project ideas for you to get stuck into - both big and small.
Image: Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
Small tortoiseshell (Aglaise urtica) feeding on garden flowers, UK
Apply for your Wildlife Gardening Award!
How wildlife friendly is your garden? In order to gain a plaque, you need to demonstrate you are making an effort to welcome wildlife in different ways.
Image: Vaughn Matthews
Wilder Open Gardens
No matter what size of outdoor space, from tiny gardens and window boxes to large estates and everything in between, take part our wilder alternative to a coffee morning fundraiser, whilst spreading the word about gardening for wildlife.
Resources
Thank you for gardening for wildlife, every positive action you take makes a big difference. With your help, we can put nature into recovery, create more space for wildlife to thrive, and reduce the pressure on the environment. This has to be a joint effort. We all have different skills, knowledge, and experience to offer. And we’ve got resources and advice to help get you started...
Team Wilder
Celebrate wildlife gardening and use your garden to take action to help support nature. Many of our common garden visitors – including hedgehogs, house sparrows and starlings – are increasingly under threat. But together we can make a difference. Find out how our green spaces can provide for wildlife.
Wilder Allotment Awards: Although allotments are mainly used for growing food, by adding in wildlife friendly plants you can create a mini-ecosystem that’s good for you and good for wildlife. Demonstrate you are making an effort to welcome wildlife in different ways and practicing environmentally friendly actions and apply for your plaque today!
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