Hello, this is Jo from the Wild Bunch. Finally, Spring is just around the corner. The air smells different, spring bulbs are emerging, and birdsong is increasing, sounding more beautiful each day. With only three weeks until the Spring Equinox, it’s easy to get excited. But before you rush out with your rake and pruning shears, pause for a moment. While the temptation to tidy up after winter is strong, cutting back and raking too soon can do more harm than good for the creatures that rely on your garden for shelter and food. Fortunately, there are plenty of other ways to prepare your space to support wildlife as the warmer season unfolds.
Now is the perfect time to plan a wildlife-friendly garden. Consider adding native flowers, shrubs, and trees that provide nectar, pollen, and seeds for insects and birds. Think about early bloomers like crocuses and primroses to offer a much-needed food source for pollinators waking from hibernation. I always look for bargains in the form of post-Mother’s Day reductions.
Spring is nesting season, so consider putting up bird boxes in sheltered spots. If you have room, a log pile or even an upturned broken pot can provide valuable hideaways for frogs, hedgehogs, and insects. Digging a pond is a great way to enjoy more time outside as the weather warms, and insects and amphibians will most definitely thank you for the effort. You can find a great guide on how to build a pond or a bog garden on Somerset Wildlife Trust’s website.
Dead leaves, hollow stems, and last year’s growth still offer homes to insects and larvae. Wait until mid to late spring before cutting back, allowing nature to wake up at its own pace.
By focusing on these small but impactful actions, you’ll be giving wildlife the best possible start to the season.
