A Sussex garden is not only a place of beauty and tranquility but also a haven for a diverse range of captivating wildlife. We have complied a list of some of the wildlife that you’re most likely to see in your garden this summer:
Sussex boasts an array of bird species that grace our gardens. Look out for familiar feathered friends such as sparrows, finches, robins, blue tits, and blackbirds. Providing bird feeders filled with appropriate seeds and installing bird baths for drinking and bathing will entice these charming visitors to make regular appearances and help them thrive this summer.
Sussex is home to a huge variety of butterflies, each displaying their own exquisite patterns. Gardens boasting nectar-rich flowers like buddleia or lavender will attract these winged wonders, allowing you to witness their graceful dance among the blossoms.
Bees play a vital role in pollinating our Sussex gardens. Keep an eye out for bumblebees and honeybees busily gathering nectar and pollen. Planting an assortment of bee-friendly flowers such as foxgloves, asters, and cornflowers will create a bee-friendly haven in your garden.
If your garden features a pond, stream, or wetland area, you may be fortunate enough to encounter dragonflies and damselflies. These remarkable creatures with their shimmering wings and agile flight are excellent predators of mosquitoes and other small insects. By providing a water source and suitable aquatic plants, you can invite these fascinating aerial acrobats to your Sussex garden.
Sussex is home to several species of ladybirds, including the iconic seven-spot ladybird. These delightful beetles are highly beneficial as they feed on aphids and other garden pests. Look out for their bright red or orange bodies adorned with black spots as they crawl along leaves and stems. Encouraging the presence of ladybirds will help naturally control unwanted pests in your garden.
British gardens with ponds or damp areas can attract amphibians like frogs and toads. These creatures emerge during summer evenings, hunting for insects and filling the air with their distinctive croaking chorus. By providing a suitable habitat, including water features and sheltered areas, you can create an inviting environment for them.
While they may exhibit mischievous behaviors, such as raiding your bird feeder or teasing cats and dogs, squirrels bring a sense of liveliness to any Sussex Garden. Hedgehogs, with their endearing appearances and nocturnal foraging habits, may also visit your garden in search of food and shelter. Providing hedgehog-friendly spaces and avoiding the use of pesticides helps support these species.
Keep your eyes peeled this summer for all the different wildlife that could be visiting your Sussex garden and let us know in the comments which animal you see most regularly in your Sussex garden!
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