Decking- good or bad for wildlife?

Recently I heard someone on the radio saying that decking deterred wildlife in gardens. Mine is a haven for spiders, beetles, loads of other insects, and toads, providing a safe dry home. It also harbours mice and the occasional rat, but they are wildlife too.
What do others think?

 

I think you are right, its a haven in the right place. My end deck is raised and I hid all the old patio slabs and hardcore in the void beneath to encourage creapy crawlies, wrens, mice etc to nest. It's a pretty unfair statement to say decking deters wildlife, a concrete patio hardly welcomes it with open arms. Any space which has been cleared for us humans to relax in is always going to deter wildlife more than if it were left untouched. What a non statement that is, some people are just snobby about decking I think. I've seen a couple of pics of your garden and if you support wildlife as a whole like yours, the patio of whatever construction will become a part of it.

 

It's a load of old rubbish my little decking area has only been down a couple of months and already there is 'life as we know it' amongst it.

I think the problem some people have is not with the 'wildlife' issue but the decking itself because wherever there's a garden there's gonna be little critters and a deck has nothing to do with it.

I think its just a case of decking haters!

I dare bet it's because 'they' can't make one theirself and would love one but can't afford for one to be made for them.

I for one couldn't be more happier with ours, we are even having a bigger one built next spring to go from the back door!

The only 'problem' I have with decking is I want a little shine to mine as I think it will keep it a little more cleaner.
Helen.xxx.

 

A few pics of construction, shows the space for creepies underneath.

 

BM your garden...im speechless ..... I agree with you Liz and BM , i sit on my decking and watch all the insects go under and back up. Ants. Spiders> woodlice. stupid flies. even a Bee once, It looks great too, Better than broken concrete, in fact the insects are protected from the dog who eats moths flies and the odd wasp ( fat lip )....DEE

 

And Helen I agree they are decking haters! should keep there opinions to themself..and i love mine too..DEE

 

BM, as Dee says your garden is truly amazing. My decking was built on the same lines but with smaller underlying framework on gravel. Not nearly so sturdy.
Helen, I agree, my decking gets very muddy and needs some proper sealant.

 

Cheers everyone, yes maintenance wise I have an over due coat of oil to administer. Trouble is it needed doing in the spring before the bamboo husks fell, they get everywhere. I coated the frame in about 4 coats of ronseal wood stain. I never intend seeing it again and the OCD demanded I pickle it against rotting. I built the patio deck nice and sturdy to cope with any movement from the palms that were planted through. Not to mention the traffic, use and enormous pots I put on it. :D

Lots of room for wildlife, especially mice that drive the dog nuts!















Decks are great for pets, people and wildlife I say.

 

I have a feeling that the little one will get a car like daddy for his 18th birthday...

 

BM those pictures of your decking progress are really great and are ideal for someone to follow with ease... my little deck area is about the same size as your little one near the bench.

I really like the idea of having planting pockets in the larger decking and I really don't know which is funnier your little guy and 'his' wheels or feet! :D
Helen.xxx.