Provide a source of water
Water is vital for wildlife to thrive all year around. They need it to drink, bathe and breed in. Any type of water in your garden will be useful, from a simple dish to a large pond. Make sure that it is of a suitable depth and has rough, sloped edges, steps or rocks so that creatures can land safely and climb out if they fall in.
- place water for birds near a tree or shrub so they have easy access to a safe place. Remember to break the ice during cold winter periods or put out fresh warm water every day
- water for pollinators (bees and butterflies) can be as simple as a shallow bowl with a rock or sloped edge so they do not drown
- dig a wildlife pond or if you do not have enough space for a pond, or it's not safe for your circumstances, you can use an old washing up bowl or watertight container, either sunk in to the ground or amongst your other pots and containers
- install a water butt to collect rainwater and use it to top up your water feature and water your plants
- if you are lucky enough to have a large garden with a stream, you could consider leaving deadwood in waterways to provide another habitat. Leaky dams are made of natural woody materials, laid in streams and ditches. They are designed to reduce the downstream flood peak by temporarily storing water by holding it back within the stream's channel or encouraging it to spill onto the banks behind the barrier and slowing the flow.