Attracting wildlife into your garden can be great fun and help protect your vegetables from unwelcome pests in a friendly environmentally way. The key to attracting wildlife is to ensure there is water and as many different habitats available. Creatures will then come in search of food and shelter.

Here are ten simple but great ideas;

• By introducing a wide range of native flowers for feeding. Shrubs and bushes will provide ideal sites for birds and mammals to nest and roost.  An ideal place to erect some nest boxes.

• A log and rock pile positioned in the corner will attract Hedgehogs in search of earthworms, slugs and grubs. A hedgehog house is an ideal way of encouraging your hedgehog to set up home. Log piles are taken over by wood boring beetles and fungi. The fungus gnats are important food for birds in winter.

• Set down a thick plank of wood, paving stone or corrugated iron (painting parts matt black). This will attract Slow worms and lizards. In a damp corner Newts could take up residence along with the occasional frog.

• By proving a suitable wildlife home for Lacewings or Ladybird home, these insects will feed off Aphids as their staple diet.

• Fruit trees produce a food for the gardener and a wide range of wildlife.

• A small wetland area to attract frogs, toads, and newts. The marshy edge will attract Damselflies and Hawkers which feed on flying insects.

• Bees play an important part of the gardens eco-system and one solitary bee called the Mason bee – can be attracted with wooden habitat with short drilled holes.. Every female is fertile and they make great garden “pets” and are safe for children.

• Bats love insects and spiders so a well positioned bat box will encourage these fascinating mammals to your garden.

• Composts provide nutrients for the garden and also provide a great habitat for invertebrates and hedgehogs love compost areas.

•  Encourage the Lawn areas to grow much longer and mow after flowers have seeded. Introduce a bird bath and good quality bird feeders.