No-garden gardening for wildlife

With even the smallest space you can still nurture nature on your doorstep.

Making the most of your outside space can be as simple as leaving some logs in a corner, filling a window feeder, or planting pots, but there are many more creative solutions to no-garden gardening.

As with all wildlife gardening it can take time for birds and mammals to find your patch, but perseverence is key. To attract wildlife you need to provide something that animals need. This could be food, water, nest sites, secure roosts and homes, or even tools...

Wildlife on a windowsill

Window feeders provide an excellent view of your garden visitors.
Photo © Paul Chambers

For those with absolutely no outside space you can still use vertical windows and walls:

• Attract birds by putting out a window feeder. Use a kitchen or living room window where you can watch your visitors come and go, but be aware that some birds will be alarmed by their reflections and peck at windows. Check the RSPB's advice on birds attacking windows if this concerns you.
• A window box is a fabulous wildlife attractant. Plant herbs and nectar-rich plants to attract bees and hoverflies. Some birds are even known to use herbs to disinfect their nests in spring.
• If you have a north or east facing wall, sheltered from harsh winds and the hottest sun, put up a nest box or bat box. It can be especially rewarding when young birds fledge in the spring, or when bats arrive to hibernate through the winter.

Creatures on concrete

If you have a small patio or balcony your options are broader.

• Container shrubs are a great starting point to attract wildlife. Planting for butterflies will attract birds to feed on their caterpillars in the spring. You could also make a butterfly feeder (pdf).
• If you're not too squeamish leave a pile of logs in a corner and let the woodlice, slugs and earwigs move in. This will attract bug-lovers such as hedgehogs, frogs and toads. Remember to help hedgehogs into your garden by removing hedgehog hazards.


Bird boxes placed well, will help out birds in spring. Photo © Peter / Mr. Loafster

• A rockery may not seem very wildlife-friendly but if you let nature take hold, mosses and weeds will draw in insects, reptiles will sunbathe on them and amphibians will shelter in damp crevices underneath. You may even be lucky enough to find tell-tale snail shells left over from song thrushes cracking into their mollusc meals and using your stones as an anvil.

Animal awnings

• For the really adventurous there are other options such as green roofs and vertical gardens.
• It may be simpler and cheaper to make use of your vertical space by using hanging backets or simply by planting climber species by some carefully placed trellising to green your walls.

Remember that if you can't do any of these you can still bring wildlife into your life by visiting your local parks and nature reserves. And if you're really passionate, volunteering with wildlife organisations is a great way to give something back and meet likeminded people at the same time.