Things to do with kids | Create a Fun Garden Wildlife sanctuary

How to make your own Wildlife Sanctuary

Our garden isn’t the biggest but it’s still a fair size, this year we have noticed lots of different wildlife venturing in and out all year long. Almost every time the kids go into the garden they come back reporting that they have seen something different from funny looking bugs to glorious looking birds. Now with this in mind I think its about time we did our bit to protect and nurture these beautiful creatures and it’s one of those great things to do with kids.

After doing a bit of research I have found that certain plants can be harmful to these lovely creatures or simply leaving the heads of dead plants can protect birds by acting as food and shelter throughout the winter months.

How to care for small wildlife creatures.

So how can we help these little critters stay warm and dry throughout those cold winter months?, well here are some tips that will make all the difference in your garden for them.

1. Firstly your garden doesn’t have to be in the greatest of conditions to do this because the animals and creatures don’t care about tidiness. Let things grow a little through the winter months this is good especially if you have hedges,bushes,ivy, and long grass for creatures of all shapes and sizes to hide in.

2. Long grass is good for creatures to live in or a bit of  foliage left unkempt throughout the winter months, so next time you think lets give this grass a pre winter cut is it really worth leaving the poor bugs high and dry when they can be safe and sound. Go ahead and let the leafs gather from bushes or trees or better still If you are going to tidy the garden why not make a special area that you can leave this type of foliage in to allow animals and creatures to live in for a while.

3. Now what about the larger animals like, lets say hedgehogs or birds, well they need long grass and foliage to have somewhere to live, so the ideal thing for those who have large enough lawns would be to cut one half and leave the other half long , practical “NO” but it can be done. You have to think of your garden as a haven for the our valuable animals and creatures to live in and this is a small sacrifice for them. I love my garden looking great all year round but to be honest in britain we don’t get the weather to use it that often, so why not let the animals and creatures use it instead. At least something can use it while you aren’t.

4. Get some wood or logs which you can let rot because this type of wood can be amazing to allow fungi, wood lice or beetles live there.

5. We don’t have a pond but if we did this is an awesome space for frogs and fish, I have asked my husband to see what he can do next year to get us a little pond in the back garden. I love the plants that grow around the edges and lots of wildlife love to be around water, and hide amongst the leaves.

6. Birds need looking after so try and encourage them to eat in your garden or even live there. Bird feeders are totally awesome for our little winged friends who pay us a visit all year round. Now you can build your own or you could just buy the trusted and tested bird feeders available on the market, allowing your birds to feel loved all year through. Don’t forget to provide as much food as possible especially wild bird feed and water for them because it’s thirsty work flying all the time you know.

7. Don’t use harmful chemicals in your garden, would you want to go home and feel poorly, because every time you use harmful products outside that exactly what you are doing to your wildlife.It is your wildlife to look after and nurture all year long, lets face it, if you don’t care who will. I find products such as patio cleaners without the harmful products in them, actually work better in my garden and I am sure that this will be the same as yours.

There are so many amazing things you can do in your garden as a family creating a wildlife haven is one of them. I have also found creating a wildlife haven in your garden gets the kids outside even through the winter time.