January is a quiet month in most gardens, so it’s a great time to take advantage of the lull in time-consuming jobs like mowing lawns and tending veggie plots, by planning for the year ahead.
Gardens are a vital resource for Britain’s wildlife, and it’s not just the big gardens that count - small gardens make up much of the green space in the UK and so they’re really important too. So whether you have a country acre or an urban balcony, there will be something you can do to help wildlife in your area.
It could be something as simple as using pots and hanging baskets to introduce plants to a bare balcony or patio, or something more elaborate like creating a water feature. The key is to aim for a mosaic of different habitats – the greater the variety you can provide, the more likely you are to attract wildlife.
And if the thought of having an untidy garden is putting you off, fear not! It’s a myth that wildlife gardens have to look a mess – just leaving a pile of discarded twigs and leaves tucked at the back of a flowerbed could be enough to attract pest-munching insects and hedgehogs to your garden.
Whether you want to make the most of what you already have, or want to create brand new habitat from scratch, the RSPB can help. Take part in our 'Homes for Wildlife' project and we'll give you all the advice you need on how to transform your garden, be it large or small, into a wildlife haven.
Our handy wildlife garden calendar also provides lots of ideas for what to do in your garden each month.
So this weekend, why not have a wander around your garden and think about how you can make it more wildlife-friendly. With just a little bit of effort, you could soon be welcoming butterflies, bees, frogs and finches as neighbours.
If everyone did their bit, just think what we could achieve for wildlife!
We'd love to hear your plans!