How to attract more wildlife to your garden
Gardens play a vital role in supporting wildlife, providing essential habitats and nourishment for birds, bees and other creatures. Attracting more wildlife not only enriches local ecosystems, but also brings countless benefits, from natural pest control to the simple delight of watching nature thrive.
At Chef & Brewer, we cherish our countryside roots, and would love you to find a country pub garden that is inviting, homely and a haven for wildlife. Whether it’s a cosy corner or a sweeping lawn, our beer gardens are the perfect setting to enjoy the great outdoors and savour a delicious meal with friends or family.
Settle in as we show you how to bring the wonder of nature to your own garden – no matter its size or style.
Why it's important to attract wildlife to your garden
Gardens of all kinds are important, whether it's on a tiny balcony, a pub garden, or a sprawling backyard. Gardens are vital for lots of reasons, offering food, shelter, and water to a variety of wildlife. By attracting creatures like butterflies, hedgehogs, and frogs, gardens play a key role in nurturing biodiversity. In return, these visitors help your garden thrive.
Bees pollinate flowers, giving you vibrant blooms, while birds manage pests naturally, keeping your garden healthy without harsh chemicals. Small mammals can even help enrich the soil.
Wherever you are in the country, here at Chef & Brewer we take pride in crafting beautiful gardens that are teeming with wildlife. Inspired by the charm of British gardens, our aim is to create inviting, eco-friendly spaces where both people and nature can prosper together, supporting the delicate balance of the environment.
Feeding some of your favourite garden visitors
Adding flowers, herbs, and fruit plants to your garden is a wonderful way to feed and support local wildlife. Bees love the bright blooms of lavender and sunflowers, while butterflies are drawn to buddleia and marigolds. Birds, too, will appreciate the berries from elderberries, raspberries, and holly, which provide much-needed nourishment.Herbs like thyme, mint, and rosemary are not only great for cooking but are also fantastic for bees and other pollinators. Creating a garden that’s full of these plants not only makes your space more colourful and fragrant, but also turns it into a cosy sanctuary that critters will love to visit.
Truly make a splash with your garden
Providing water for wildlife is a lovely way to help creatures in your garden stay hydrated, especially during the warmer months. A bird bath is perfect for attracting birds, giving them a place to splash around and drink, while a shallow water bowl is great for smaller animals like hedgehogs.
If you have space, a pond can offer a cosy home for frogs, newts and insects – as well as a drinking spot for birds and mammals. These little water sources will quench their thirst but also add a peaceful, soothing touch to your garden for you to enjoy.
Your very own safe haven
Providing shelter for wildlife in your garden makes it even more inviting. Birdhouses and nest boxes offer safe spaces for birds to rest and raise their young, while insect hotels provide a home for pollinators like bees and butterflies.For small mammals like hedgehogs, a pile of logs or patch of dense foliage can give them a warm, sheltered spot to nest in. By offering these simple shelters, you’re giving wildlife a place to rest, all while adding a bit of charm and character to the space.
Attracting nocturnal visitors
Encouraging evening visitors to your garden is a great way to support local wildlife. Bat and owl boxes provide shelter for these nocturnal creatures, who help keep pesky insect populations in check.
Night-blooming flowers like primrose and jasmine can attract moths, adding a touch of magic as they flutter around. These creatures are natural pest controllers, and will help you to maintain a healthy garden.
It’s also important to make sure hedgehogs can easily move through your garden. They travel long distances at night, so a small hole in your fence will allow them to roam freely without getting stuck.
Small steps for a big impact
If you're wondering how to attract wildlife to your garden, it's all about taking it slow and making simple changes that encourage nature to flourish. Here are a few tips to get you started and enjoy the process along the way.
✔ Start small
Begin with one or two easy additions, like a bird bath or bee-friendly flowers, and watch how quickly wildlife responds.
✔ Be patient
Changes take time, so give your garden space to evolve naturally.
✔ Be observant
Gardens shift with the seasons, so keep an eye out for new visitors and enjoy the surprises that each season brings.
✔ Enjoy the process
Like any rewarding project, the joy is in discovering and learning as your garden grows.
If or when you fancy a change of scenery, or a bit of inspiration, why not head to a Chef & Brewer? Our countryside pubs are the prime spot to unwind, soak up the outdoors and perhaps even spark new ideas for your own wildlife-friendly garden.
Come and visit one of our wildlife-friendly beer gardens near you
At Chef & Brewer, we’re committed to our gardening principles to create gardens that support local wildlife and enhance biodiversity. We’ve focused on planting native, pollen-rich plants, incorporating water features, and using reclaimed materials to promote sustainability.We've also made sure our gardens have features like hedgehog access points to help little creatures feel at home. Why not visit one of our pubs with beer gardens near you this weekend? Maybe pick up some gardening tips and enjoy a lovely Sunday roast while immersing yourself in nature.