Caring For Local Wildlife
We are lucky that here in the UK we are blessed with many indigenous wildlife species. With the spread of urbanization and roads then the natural habitat of our country`s animals is sadly decreasing. More and more gardeners are discovering furry visitors especially in the winter months and there is a growing interest in how to care for them.
One of the simplest ways of helping local wildlife is to make your garden animal friendly. This doesn`t mean that you have to have a garden that looks like a wilderness of course, but a balance can be created that will help care for local wildlife while still having an attractive garden. Try and avoid harmful pesticides. If you have seen a hedgehog in your garden then don`t use slug pellets, the hedgehog will do the job nicely. Bird feeders will help the bird population in winter. Once you start feeding the birds then remember to keep it up. The birds will start to rely on your food supply to feed their young.
A mouse house is something the children will love to monitor and can be made quite easily out of old tennis balls. Cut a little entrance hole in the tennis ball and attach to a wall in a low shaded position. You can even create a little stick ladder for the mice to run up and down for higher placed houses. Put in some leaves and grass as bedding and wait for the lodgers to arrive.
A common UK garden visitor is the hedgehog, especially in the autumn time when they love to curl up in the piles of leaves that fill our gardens. If you spot a hedgehog in the garden a small saucer of mushy dog or cat food will be very much appreciated. Don`t be tempted to give them milk as it isn`t good for them. If you are thinking of burning your garden waste then make sure a hedgehog hasn`t set up home in its depths.
Probably the largest mammal that will make its way into a British garden is the Fox. The Urban fox is on the increase and these poor creatures are in a sorry state. They also appreciate cat and dog food and enjoy a digestive biscuit. If you have a regular fox visitor and it starts to look thin or its coat is patchy then call the RSPCA who can help relocate the fox to a better environment.
Don`t ever be tempted to interfere with young animals. Mother will not be far away and the smell of human on her baby could be enough to make her abandon it. If you feel that the baby is endanger then again get a professional to help as they have special needs.
While you ate caring for your wildlife don`t forget your domestic pets, a nice comfy spot to view the proceedings will go down well large dog beds will help you keep your pet happy.
