As natural habitats shrink, gardens play an essential part in providing wildlife species such as birds and bees, hedgehogs and bats with food, shelter and somewhere to breed and overwinter. It’s always important that we plant and garden with wildlife in mind, but a purpose-built home will offer them a safe haven when their natural habitats are scarce.
There are many different types of wildlife homes available from a range of sources, including garden centres, DIY stores and online, but quality can vary hugely, not all of them are suitable and some may even attract predators to the very species you are trying to protect.
In this Buyer’s Guide we cover the different types of wildlife homes available, what individual species need and what to consider when you’re choosing andyour new home – look out for Wildlife Editor, Kate Bradbury’s advice on the conditions common garden wildlife prefer.
