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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will there be a second series?
- What happened to all the concrete you took out of Betty's garden?
- Betty's garden had some decking - isn't that bad for wildlife?
- In the first programme I saw a wooden box floating on the river - what was that?
- I was under the impression that you should only feed garden birds in autumn?
- How do I build my own badger sett?
- Why did Ellie insist they went to a local pond to get the water they tipped into their pond?
- Trees - do I need to plant mature ones?
- Why do you seem to build a pond in every wildlife garden?
- How does the folly/ gothic chapel help wildlife?
- How are the hedgehogs / chickens getting on?
- Is Ellie's moth mix worth trying?
- What should I take into account before I put a bee hive into my back garden?
- Why did Andrew have to wait to get his bees?
- How can I reduce the chances of being stung by a bee?
- Can I put a green roof on my shed?
- Do minibeasts bite?
- Will there be a second series?
The BBC currently has no plans for second series. - What happened to all the concrete you took out of Betty's garden?
We arranged for all 12.86 tons of it to be recycled. It was washed, crushed and may well end up being used in the construction of the Olympic village. Across the series we recycle everything from old banisters to coffee grinds! - Betty's garden had some decking - isn't that bad for wildlife?
Decking doesn't offer much to wildlife but we recognise that a lot of people love it and in Betty's case there was only so much of her concrete that we could remove in just four days. But you can help to improve decking. See how to make the most of hard lanscaping. - In the first programme I saw a wooden box floating on the river - what was that?
It is a survey raft. One of our concerns was that there could be mink in the area. These non native creatures have decimated the water vole population. Inside is a pan containing a mixture of clay and sand on which their footprints will be left. If mink are found to be in the area, the tunnel can be converted into a trap. Thankfully we did not find any mink (or water vole tracks) whilst we were there. - I was under the impression that you should only feed garden birds in autumn?
We follow the latest RSPB guidelines but there are certain types of food that are better in the spring/summer. Find out more about feeding birds from the RSPB. - How do I build my own badger sett?
It's a specialist job. We worked with Adrian Coward, an ecological consultant who has a great deal of experience in this area. As we say in the programme if a sett becomes occupied it is then protected by law. We took advice from a wide range of organisations as well as consulting with local people before we started work on it. You can do your bit to help without building a sett. For more ideas on encouraging (or even deterring) badgers find out more at The Badger Trust. - Why did Ellie insist they went to a local pond to get the water they tipped into their pond?
Firstly don't use water or plants from another pond unless you are sure it's safe. Ellie went to a pond that we had checked to ensure we would not run the risk of introducing disease, or non native plants or animals, and that we knew did not contain fish. Using a local pond minimises the risk of spreading disease. In time wildlife will find your pond under its own steam - just give it the chance. - Trees - do I need to plant mature ones?
No. We do it the programme to allow for a quick transformation, it's cheaper than monitoring the gardens for many years whilst trees and scrubs grow to their full size. The key point is that wildlife needs a variety of sources of food and shelter. Native deciduous trees, scrubs and climbers are particularly helpful and in smaller gardens use pots and tubs. - Why do you seem to build a pond in every wildlife garden?
Essentially because they offer so much to wildlife and because we have lost so many of them. The RHS estimates that during the past 100 years, the UK countryside has lost almost 70% of its ponds, making garden ponds of increasing value to wildlife. Across the series is a variety of pond styles and sizes all designed to offer you inspiration. - How does the folly/ gothic chapel help wildlife?
We created the folly in order to offer more varied habitats and micro climates in the garden. It was deliberately constructed with nooks and crannies that can be used by toads and frogs as well as invertebrates of all kinds. In the folly leaves will naturally collect against the walls and in the corners and combined with the wildflower meadow ensure the hedgehogs have cover to move around the garden. - How are the hedgehogs / chickens getting on?
The family tell us they hear the hedgehogs a lot more than they see them and they range across many of their neighbours gardens too. It's really important to allow them a way in and out of your garden. Make sure there are holes (about 15 c.m. square should do it) for them and make sure you check with your neighbours first if they own the fence! The chickens are all well and started to lay eggs the day after we left. - Is Ellie's moth mix worth trying?
It is. As we said in the programme you won't have much luck if you try it when there are lots of flowers out but in spring and autumn you can try painting the beer mix directly onto a tree in your garden and see what turns up. - What should I take into account before I put a bee hive into my back garden?
When kept properly, bees are good neighbours, and only sting when provoked. It is essential to select good tempered bees and to place the hive in a dry, preferably south east facing ,sunny spot. The bees must have a clear flight path out and into the hive. - Why did Andrew have to wait to get his bees?
It was important for Andrew to complete a bee keeping course before he could have the bees. Most local groups run courses for beginners. - How can I reduce the chances of being stung by a bee?
Bees do not like the smell of alcohol especially on people. The animal smell of leather clothing, even watchstraps upsets them. They regard dark clothing as a threat as it could be a bear!. Floral soaps, shampoos and scents attract bees. If a bee hovers inquiringly in front of you, do NOT flap your hands. Stay calm and move slowly away, best into the shade of shed or a tree. The bee will soon lose interest. - Can I put a green roof on my shed?
Possibly. You need to be ensure that it can take the weight. You should only put on a green roof if your shed or out building is structurally strong enough to take the weight of both the green roof, liners and a snow fall - otherwise the whole building could collapse. - Do minibeasts bite?
A few do. Wasps obviously (the black and yellow ones) & woodlouse hunting spiders. Bumblebees, solitary bees and domestic honeybees are far less aggressive but they can sting. Stag beetles don't bite or sting.
There are no upcoming episodes of this programme.
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