This month, CJ Wildlife – Europe’s leading garden wildlife specialist and Froglife partner are reminding us that all of our gardens, no matter what size, can become bustling nature reserves for our local wildlife.
As June arrives you may start to notice a new crop of fledglings that have left the nest and are noisily making their way to independence. Young frogs and toads will start to leave ponds this month, continuing the journey from tadpole to adult, and will move into long grass and quiet corners to feed and grow until the autumn. The same areas are also used by lizards, slow worms, hedgehogs and other wildlife. It’s also a busy time for female hedgehogs as they will begin to give birth, so you may spot a hoglet or two in your garden or local area.
Things to do in your garden this month:
- Keep birdfeeders clean and topped up in preparation for new fledglings.
- Provide live foods to help busy adults and hungry juveniles as they learn to fend for themselves.
- Provide a source of clean drinking and bathing water for garden birds and wildlife.
- Tread carefully in the long grass – particularly if you’re using a strimmer! The vegetation could be concealing hedgehogs and their youngsters, plus frogs, toads and newts, not to mention reptiles such as slow worms or, if you’re very lucky, a grass snake.
- Be aware of potential fledgling traps such as loose fruit netting, open water butts, steep-sided ponds and, of course, pet cats.
- Add a frog and toad house to your garden, these houses will provide a cool dark area for these creatures to shelter during warmer days.
- If you have hedgehogs now is a great time to provide them with a reliable source of food as they are likely to be caring for young.
For more hints and tips on making the perfect wildlife garden this summer, visit www.birdfood.co.uk, plus as a Froglife supporter, you can save 10% off when you buy from CJ Wildlife, simply use discount code UKFROG18 when you order.