“I’m a wildlife expert – here are my top tips for creating a thriving garden this spring”

As winter's chill melts away and the sun begins to shine brighter, nature begins its grand awakening. Birds start to craft their nests, bees are buzzing, and sleepy hedgehogs are rubbing their eyes after a long winter’s nap. Spring is a season of renewal and growth, and the perfect time to lend a hand to the wildlife in our gardens. Sean McMenemy, nature expert and founder of Ark Wildlife shares some simple yet effective ways on how we can make a positive impact to the wildlife around us. 

Plant for pollinators 

“If you’ve ever stopped to watch a bee busily buzzing between flowers, you know how magical the process of pollination is. Pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hoverflies are the true VIPs of the garden. They help flowers bloom, plants grow, and ecosystems thrive by moving pollen from one flower to another, helping plants to reproduce and keep everything growing and thriving. To encourage more of these creatures to your space, plant a variety of nectar-rich flowers. Try early bloomers like crocus, primrose and snowdrops to give pollinators a much-needed snack after the cold months. Even if space is tight, you can make a welcoming bee café by planting wildflowers in pots on a balcony or windowsill!” 

Give hedgehogs a home 

“Hedgehogs are the roving knights of the garden, patrolling for insects like beetles, caterpillars and earthworms. Sadly, these spiky wanderers are in decline, but you can help by turning your garden into a hedgehog haven. Hedgehogs need shelter to retreat to, so a cosy hedgehog house or a pile of leaves and logs in a quiet corner offers them the perfect place to rest. Hedgehogs are avid explorers – in fact, they can travel as far as two kilometres in a single night in search of food or a mate! To help them venture more safely, consider cutting a hedgehog-sized hole (13x13 cm) in your fence.   

“Supplementary food is another excellent way to support these little adventurers, especially when natural resources are scarce. Specialist hedgehog food, such as our original hedgehog food, provides them with essential nutrients and plenty of healthy fibre. You can also leave out meaty cat or dog food as a good alternative – just remember to avoid things like milk and bread as these can upset their stomachs!” 

Welcome the bugs 

“Insects are the unsung heroes of the garden; these little critters not only pollinate your plants but also provide food for the entire food chain. Creating a bug hotel is a fantastic way to support them. It’s simpler than you might think – fill a wooden box or an old crate with hollow stems, twigs and pinecones, then place it in a sunny sheltered spot. For an easier solution, you can also buy a ready-made insect hotel and simply hang it up in a sunny spot. Alternatively, leave a log pile in a shady corner and watch as it becomes a bustling metropolis for beetles, spiders, and all sorts of mini beasts that keep your garden thriving!” 

Help birds settle in 

“What would spring be without the sweet sound of birdsong? These feathered friends are not just beautiful to watch but also play a key role in keeping our gardens healthy. Spring can be a challenging time for birds as they’re busy building nests and raising young. You can lend a hand by setting up bird feeders filled with seeds, suet and mealworms. To go the extra mile, leave out twigs, dried leaves, and other natural materials for birds to line their nests. If space allows, consider hanging a bird box in a quiet, sheltered spot where they can feel safe raising their little ones.” 

Add a little pond 

“If you’re ready to take your wildlife care to the next level, adding a pond is the ultimate move. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be huge – just a small container pond can make all the difference. Frogs, newts and birds will soon gather to its cool, refreshing waters. Simply fill it with rainwater, add native aquatic plants and create gently sloping edges so animals can easily enter and exit. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your pond transforms into a buzzing ecosystem, full of life. Plus, there’s something truly magical about watching dragonflies dance above the water!” 

To browse Ark Wildlife’s range of solutions for wildlife, visit www.arkwildlife.co.uk. 

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Editors notes

Ark Wildlife is a UK-based company specialising in wildlife-friendly products and solutions. They are known for providing a wide range of products designed to support and encourage wildlife in gardens and outdoor spaces, while inspiring its customers to make one small, simple step to help nature thrive.

Ark Wildlife offers a wide array of bird feeders, bird foods, and bird care accessories to attract and nourish birds such as robins, blue tits, sparrows, and other garden birds. They also provide habitats for hedgehogs, bats, and insects, aiming to create a balanced and biodiverse ecosystem in domestic environments.

The business was founded by wildlife enthusiast Sean McMenemy, an expert with an unparalleled understanding of garden wildlife which dates back to a passion developed during his childhood. He is regarded as a leading authority on garden wildlife and has personally driven more innovation, quality and convenience to the bird food and wildlife market than anyone else.