Wildlife and wild flower advice.

Discussion in 'Herbs and Wildflowers' started by Sian in Belgium, Nov 12, 2013.

  1. Sian in Belgium

    Sian in Belgium Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2011
    Messages:
    3,099
    Location:
    Just south of Brussels
    Ratings:
    +9,642
    We are coming to the end of our first full year in our new home. I have done quite a bit already to help support the local wildlife. We never use pesticides, herbicides, or salt on the drive. The compost heap has been tidied and ordered, but there is still "ground" access to all 4 bins, so the frogs, toads and newts can come and go. We now have standing water all year round (a big wooden barrel pond, and a large bird bath at ground level). The fruit trees have been given new neighbours, so we should have flowers / apples / pears / plums, and are always willing to share.
    Roses have been planted, along with marjarom, mint, thyme, fennel, calendula, snap dragons, deutzia, buddleia, sage, geraniums, sunflowers, etc. Nest boxes are going up as fast as I can afford to buy them. Bird food is always available.

    The thing is, I would love some advice on how best to further encourage the wildlife. Are there trusts / charities who are willing to give out such help? I have been trying to keep a record of the birdlife that we have, but I have some problems with some of the LBJs....
     
  2. Phil A

    Phil A Guest

    Ratings:
    +0
    The RSPB did a free guide to birds, not sure if they'll post it to Belgium though.

    You could build bug hotels, they're cheap to make :)
     
  3. Sian in Belgium

    Sian in Belgium Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2011
    Messages:
    3,099
    Location:
    Just south of Brussels
    Ratings:
    +9,642
    Bug hotels - I call it our wood store! Lots of v old and rotten silver birch logs, a lot of which are v small. I also keep a pile of small "stick" in a different area of the garden.

    I will have a look for the RSPB guide, as they could send it to my mum's address. But if it's the one I'm thinking of, I don't think it will contain many new revelations. I will keep searching, I guess.

    Maybe I should start making my own nest boxes, to put in the hedges.....
     
  4. Jungle Jane

    Jungle Jane Starved Of Technicolor

    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2010
    Messages:
    2,136
    Gender:
    Female
    Occupation:
    Local Nutcase
    Location:
    South Essex
    Ratings:
    +3,398
    • Informative Informative x 1
    • Sian in Belgium

      Sian in Belgium Total Gardener

      Joined:
      Apr 8, 2011
      Messages:
      3,099
      Location:
      Just south of Brussels
      Ratings:
      +9,642
      Ty JJ, just the sort of advice / help I was hoping for! What is even better, is that Father Christmas might be looking at this thread... :)
       
    • Jungle Jane

      Jungle Jane Starved Of Technicolor

      Joined:
      Dec 12, 2010
      Messages:
      2,136
      Gender:
      Female
      Occupation:
      Local Nutcase
      Location:
      South Essex
      Ratings:
      +3,398
    • Fern4

      Fern4 Total Gardener

      Joined:
      Jan 30, 2013
      Messages:
      16,335
      Gender:
      Female
      Occupation:
      The gardener of the house!
      Location:
      Liverpool
      Ratings:
      +7,491
      I can recommend the bee book that JJ mentions......mine fell apart too and is now stuck together with cellotape. Father Christmas also brought mine last Xmas. :snork:
       
      • Like Like x 1
      Gardeners Corner is dependent on Donation to keep running, if you enjoy using Gardeners Corner, please consider donating to help us with our operating costs.
      Loading...

      Share This Page

      1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
        By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
        Dismiss Notice