Bird Feeders
Pond
Along with bird feeders ponds are probably one of the easiest way to attract wildlife into your garden. Any size pond will work. Just make sure there is a shallow area to allow anything that falls in the pond to climb out. Our pond is home to frogs and newts. The first year we moved in I added a few goldfish. Whilst these are seen more often than the other inhabitants I perhaps wish I hadn’t as it would have given the frogs, newts and other inhabitants more of a chance.
Nest Box
Nest boxes are a great way to get birds into your garden but they must be situated in a location they where they are not often disturbed. Nest boxes are available in many shapes and sizes designed to meet the requirements of various birds. I even saw one that had no entrance. The label said it was for wood peckers!
Our nest box has now been up for a year but is still unoccupied. Perhaps because of its location on a fence. As more shrubs and other cover is added to the garden more cover will be provided for the birds which in turn will help them feel more relaxed and may be we can finally get a tenant in our nest box. Alternatively I could just reduce the rent.
Plants
Insect House
A bug house will provide places for insects to lay eggs or to hibernate.
I have also added a pile of sticks and wood near the pond this should also offer shelter for insects and frogs.
The Old Tree
I cant take credit for putting planting this one but at the bottom of our garden is an old tree. Half the tree is missing leaving huge hole on which we often see squirrels sat or playing. This often seems to be used a staging post in prelude to a raid on the bird feed station. Mature trees can provide a wealth of habitats for various wildlife. Whilst half the tree is missing it is still a huge tree. I have left the nettles around the base as when these flower they will attract butterflies.