© Marcus Wehrle
Wildlife gardening in March
From blooming blossom to buzzing bees, March is an exciting time in the wildlife garden. With the shift from winter to spring now well under way, there are plenty of ways we can help wildlife in preparation for the year ahead.
Wildlife Gardening activities
Red Campion ©Chris Gomersall/2020VISION
Sow wildflower seeds
If you're looking to add a splash of pollinator-friendly colour to your garden, March is an ideal time to sow wildflower seeds directly on bare earth - just avoid sowing during periods of prolonged frost.
Species such as Poppies, Ox-eye Dasies, knapweeds, scabious, Viper's Bugloss and Bird's-foot Trefoil will thrive in sunnier spots. For shady areas, choose plants like Foxgloves, Garlic Mustard, Ragged Robin and Red Campion.
© Jon Hawkins Surrey Hills Photography
Put out food for Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs start to emerge from hibernation from mid-march and will be busy searching for food to build ip the fat reserves they used up during the winter. A dish of meaty cat or dog food (not fish) will give them a helping hand early in the season, when food may still be scarce.
© Logan Walker
Leave out nesting material for birds
Help garden birds by leaving out natural nesting materials such as straw, moss, dry grass, natural feathers and untreated/dyed sheep wool. Avoid human hair - which is too fine - and pet fur, which may have been treated with harmful chemicals such as flea-treatments.
Wildlife pond © Emma Robertshaw
Build a mini pond
Even a small pond can be home to a range of wildlife and become a feeding ground for birds, hedgehogs and bats. Your pond needn’t be big. - a washing-up bowl, a large plant pot, or a disused sink could all be repurposed as pond. Just be sure to add some oxygenating pond plants and provide away for creatures to get in and out.
More ways to help wildlife in March
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