Less is more when it comes to helping garden wildlife, says the RSPB’s Morwenna Alldis, who offers four tips to help nature this autumn
Welcome to Keats’ ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’: early autumn chills on hazy mornings, the smell of nature’s seasonal perfume of mulching vegetation and the first crunchy leaves underfoot.
But, before succumbing to the hibernation urge, there are a few of things you can do to help nature survive the coming winter. Don’t worry about doing too much though – less work equals more wildlife in your garden.1. Don’t over tidy your autumn garden
At this time of year, it’s important to avoid the urge to cut back and tidy too much – it’s more beneficial for nature to leave any decaying plants intact, as they create a cosy layer for garden mammals and insects to snuggle down in when winter hits. Hollowed stems and seedheads also provide a safe insect hideaway holes from frosts.
If you have any dead wood in your autumn garden, or if you’re already sweeping up rust coloured leaves, gather them into a pile in a corner of your green space – again insects and small mammals, including our struggling hedgehogs, will thank you for creating a snug home for them.
2. Let ivy thrive
Ivy is one of the best plants for your garden wildlife all year round, but especially during autumn and winter. Whereas most nectar rich plants are starting to die off, ivy’s flowers are…
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