CUMBRIA Wildlife Trust has revealed which species typically found in British gardens are 'declining' and what you can do to encourage them this year.
The trust said that hedgehogs, bats, sparrows, song thrushes and stag beetles are all declining species in the UK. They added that these creatures and 'many more will find refuge' if we manage our gardens to benefit wildlife.
Hedgehogs are particularly in trouble, with research by the People's Trust for Endangered Species showing that hedgehogs have declined by 30 per cent in the last ten years alone, and there are now thought to be fewer than one million left in the UK.
You can build a hedgehog home in a quiet, shady spot in your garden using soil, dry leaves/straw, polythene sheeting and plywood boards.
The trust also recommended cutting a 13cm by 13cm hole at the bottom of one of the panels in your fence to allow hedgehogs access into your garden. Finally, they recommended putting out bits of food such as plain kitten biscuits or meat-based wet dog or cat food during winter to allow wild mammals such as hedgehogs to top up any low stocks.
The fresh food should be put out at dusk for the nocturnal animals with a dish of fresh water. They recommended against constantly putting food out as then animals will become reliant on an unnatural food source.
READ MORE: Grange-over-Sands local lands award for hedgehog project
The charity gave some other tips on what you can do to encourage wildlife in your slice of heaven.
A spokesperson from the trust asked: "Why have a plain, ugly fence when a green, living boundary can bring the riches of flowers, scent, berries, rich autumn colours and wildlife? Ever thought about which heavenly-scented plants provide night-time nectar for moths? Or digging a pond?"
The trust also recommended introducing a water feature - but not for fish. Having a pond in a garden encourages newts, dragonflies, pond skaters and will provide water for birds.
They added: "Plant up the edges of a pond with the golden blooms of marsh marigolds and the lush spikes of purple loosestrife and you'll have nectar stations for insects."
The trust recommended going to their website for more ideas and to sign up to a free gardening e-newsletter.
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