Turn your garden into a wildlife sanctuary

The presence, or absence, of wildlife in a garden is an important indicator of its health. Dedicating even just a corner of your garden as a small wildlife sanctuary will yield results — you'll also find it incredibly satisfying.

Establishing and maintaining your wildlife garden shouldn't be too difficult, here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Keep your wildlife-friendly garden from invading your neighbours' properties by pruning and mowing along boundaries and fence lines diligently.
• Mow areas next to the house so that animals and insects don't live in too close proximity to humans. Both species will be happier as a result.
• Take simple precautions — for example, when lifting an object that could be sheltering an animal, lift it towards you so any hidden creature can make a break away from you.
• If you keep your lawn long, mow an access path.
• Protect native animals from your pets. If you have a cat, attach a bell to its collar to warn birds and other creatures of its approach. Keep cats and dogs inside at night.

Attract native birds to your garden by growing a variety of native plants, especially those from your region. Many birds, particularly when they are feeding their young, will also eat a wide range of insect pests, so you'll benefit from their visits.

• To cater for birds of all sizes, include some ground covers, low to medium-sized shrubs and small trees. Larger trees will attract seed-eaters, such as finches.
• Construct a bird bath. Simply place a layer of rinsed river pebbles in a shallow dish and add clean water to a depth of about 30 millimetres (just over one inch). Then hang the dish from a branch or place it on a pedestal — any spot that is safe from cats.
• If you enjoy the company of birds, learn to share the fruit from your trees with them. Otherwise, near harvest time, cover your fruit trees with bird-proof netting.