Our gardens are not only a source of pleasure but also have the potential to provide a diverse habitat for wildlife provided we take a few simple steps to ensure they attract a range of birds, mammals, amphibia, reptiles and insects. This was the message conveyed by Peter Almond who explained ways in which we can make our gardens a desirable place for wildlife to set up home. Contrary to what one might expect a garden does not need to become an unkempt wilderness in order to attract wildlife. The essence of a wildlife garden is a place with many different habitats to mimic the world beyond our garden boundaries. So an ideal wildlife garden would include some water, such as a pond, a boggy area, a wooded area and a more open grassy meadow-like space, each favouring different types of wildlife. His message also reminded us that a tidy garden, devoid of a few wildflowers, nettles and fallen leaves, is less attractive to wildlife; so for those who may regard gardening as a chore it is possible to create a wildlife haven with the minimum of effort so as to allow nature to flourish.
After retiring from a career in Project Management Peter studied at Merrist Wood and worked part time in adult education and now gives talks to local societies.