The most common wildlife found in a country garden
From the iridescent glint of an elusive dragonfly to the cheerful chirping of robins and the delicate flutter of butterflies – a country garden truly brims with life.
Join us as we explore the most common wildlife you can spot while enjoying a refreshing drink in the sun. Let nature be your companion on your next visit to one of our beer gardens near you.
What animals live in country gardens?
Country pubs and their gardens are sanctuaries for a wide and wonderful variety of wildlife. In the UK, we can sometimes spy hedgehogs making their way through the undergrowth, along with frogs and squirrels. And although insects can be a pain, they’re important for our gardens, which wouldn’t be nearly as lush and vibrant without them.
Let's take a closer look at some of our most fascinating country garden residents.
Bees
Our humble, bumbling heroes. Bumblebees’ tireless work ensures our plants continue to bloom beautifully, keeping our country gardens flourishing and full of life. Our tiny pollinators are very special, and play a crucial role in nourishing the colourful, fragrant havens we love.Red fox
Red foxes are charming visitors to country gardens. They’re mostly nocturnal wanderers, although you can sometimes spot them during the day. Red foxes are lovely to watch, due to their fun, playful curiosity and ability to adapt to garden life.Moles
Tiny and stocky with spade-like paws, moles are our secret gardeners. We don’t see them very often, as they spend most of their lives underground. Moles dig tunnels that aerate our soil and help more plants to grow. They also improve soil drainage, which can help to prevent flooding. These little diggers may be largely unseen, but they play a vital role in keeping our country gardens healthy and full of life.
Frogs
Frogs are frequent visitors to our country gardens. They help to reduce the number of garden pests like slugs and snails. If you’d like to encourage them to visit, set up a pond. But always make sure they have a route out of the water, as they’re not strictly water-dwelling critters.
Butterflies
Of course, we can’t forget our butterflies, who add a splash of colour to our gardens. Their delicate wings and vibrant patterns make them fun to spot, but they’re not just beautiful. They also help flowers flourish, keeping country gardens as healthy and vibrant as can be.
What animals come into your garden at night
As the sun sets and the garden falls quiet. nocturnal animals venture out under the cover of darkness. Let's discover some of the fascinating creatures you might spot in a country garden after dusk.
Owls
Owls bring a touch of eerie magic to country gardens. You can sometimes catch a glimpse of them swooping between trees. These wise, nocturnal hunters patrol our gardens at night, keeping pests in check.Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are the most famous night-time visitors to country gardens, with their snuffling noses and sharp, spiky coats. They’re great at keeping pests under control and add a touch of cosiness and whimsy to a garden.Sadly, their population numbers are falling, so we need to help them where we can. Provide water, create safe hiding spots and ‘hedgehog highways’. Leave out some dog or cat food, and slow down when driving on country roads at night.
Moths
Moths are our nocturnal butterflies. These night-time pollinators play an important role in helping flowers bloom, making our country gardens come alive even after dark.What can I do in my garden to help wildlife?
Creating a wildlife-friendly garden doesn’t have to be complex – simple changes can make a big difference. Here are some easy ways you can transform your garden into a hotspot for local wildlife.
✔ Create a wildlife pond
Even a small pond will provide essential drinking water and will most likely become a helpful habitat for frogs, insects and birds.✔ Plant native species
Choose plants that are native to your region to offer food and shelter for local wildlife.
✔ Provide shelter
Add birdhouses, bee hotels, bat boxes and hedgehog homes to give animals and insects safe places to rest and nest.
✔ Avoid pesticides
Reduce or eliminate the use of chemicals to keep your garden safe for insects and other wildlife.
✔ Leave some wild areas
Let parts of your garden grow wild to offer natural habitats for insects and small mammals.
How can pubs be more sustainable?
In making an effort to become more environmentally friendly and sustainable, pubs can make a positive impact with just a few thoughtful changes. From reducing waste by recycling and composting to cutting energy use with energy-efficient lighting and appliances, every little helps.
Installing water-saving fixtures and locally sourcing eco-friendly décor can also boost sustainability. Even small steps, like encouraging guests to use reusable cups to reduce plastic waste, or providing information about local wildlife can contribute to a greener future.
Beer gardens that are well thought out, functional and full of native plants, trees and perhaps a water feature or two will help encourage our much-loved wildlife to thrive.
By incorporating more planet-friendly practices, eco pubs not only support the environment but also enhance their own natural charm and appeal.
Explore garden wildlife at a pub with a beer garden near you
Ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of country garden wildlife? Visit one of our pubs with a beer garden near you and relax in vibrant gardens, spot curious critters and enjoy a refreshing drink.Our beer gardens are the perfect backdrop for observing the birds and the bees, the butterflies and the trees. Discover how sustainable pubs and nature come together in a picturesque, eco-friendly setting.