Really Wild Wednesday - Maria

This week we have an update from Maria , local resident and part of the Really Wild Team.

Small changes make a big difference in nature!

I love my garden and thought I’d share some of the easy to manage,free or low cost changes I’ve made to make it more nature friendly.

I joined the Wild Mile campaign by adding the total to the online calculator of the two patches I planted seeds in. I also dont cut them as I support the no mow campaign during spring and summer too.

At one of the Community feasts I received a leaflet on how to make a Toad Hole and had an old plant pot that was ideal - although its baby frogs that use mine!

I created a stick and twig pile for insects - like a less structured bug hotel - and a Robin and Blackbird visit it everyday.

I plant for pollinators - especially bees and butterflies and have included plants that flower at different times of the year, including bushes and shrubs that produce berries-good food and shelter for the birds too.

I also grow things I can eat too, like Yarrow, Nasturtiums, Thyme, Mint and Chamomile.

I also help keep the cost down by collecting seeds and growing new plants from cuttings and swapping them with friends and neighbours.

When I do buy plants, they are from Horfield Greenery as they are pesticide and peat free and delivered by bike- I like to support and shop local when I can. facebook.com/horfieldgreenary

Finally, I added gaps in the fence at each end of my garden to join the Hedgehog Highway - allowing them to travel more easily.

What next?

I’m going to try making some new bird nesting boxes and hopefully a hedgehog hideout from pallets then have a go at creating a mini pond next Spring.