Species of the month

Speckled wood butterfly

Speckled woods have brown wings with creamy-yellow spots; there is one black and white eyespot on the forewing and three on the hind. The undersides are patterned orange, yellow and brown.

Garden habitats

From window boxes to log piles and meadow areas, all habitats are important for wildlife. Whether you want to make the most of what you already have, or want to create more habitats, we've got the information for you.

• Bog garden
• Eaves
• Log pile
• Pond

Other garden habitats

Ways to attract wildlife

You can plant all kinds of shrubs and flowers that will benefit birds and other wildlife throughout the year

• Buddleia
• Hawthorn
• Honeysuckle
• Ivy

Other plants

Animals

Birds are not the only creatures to benefit from a wildlife garden. Learn more about the wide variety of animals that use your garden, including when you're likely to see them, and where.

• Badger
• Hedgehog
• Ladybird
• Rabbit

Other animals

Featured month

May The white blossom of hawthorn hedges and the arrival of swallows, swifts and martins mean spring is here. As supplies of nuts and berries dwindle, visiting and resident birds alike need good weather to generate fresh food in the form of insects and other small animals. More...

Other months

Need other garden advice

Visit our advice section for further information on how to improve your garden for birds and wildlife.

• Garden hedges
• Peat-free gardening
• Planning and creating a wildlife-friendly garden
• Unwanted garden visitors

Further advice