Objective: -
To create a secret wildlife garden.
That is - secret to wildlife.
As the garden is exposed to strong winds we would create a sheltered area to attract a wider range of wildlife. Butterflies are rarely seen, even though a number of plants and flowers found elsewere in the garden should encourage them. Expert advice suggests that because of the strong winds butterflies are not finding the garden very enticing. So within the sheltered area would be found an oasis of food, shelter and a great place to hang out.
Plan: -
1) Establish hedging- the planting of a single row of native hedging around the plot will create a natural windbreak. The height of the hedge when established can be used to make a very enclosed space providing shelter, food and nesting habitats for many birds and insects.
2) Build a pond - As there is no standing water in the garden at present it will be interesting to see what it will attract.
3) Increase the variety of plants - by choosing plants useful to birds and insects hopefully this will bring a greater diversity of wildlife.
4) Create a small wildflower meadow - within the secret garden we’d like to build a seating area, as part of the fun of creating a wildlife garden is watching the wildlife at play. To make the seating work for itself we thought of making a living roof over the top. This could be the radar and landing pad, letting the local insect population know it’s worth stopping. Preseeded wildflower turf would be laid on top of the roof to create a small meadow.