Where nature conservation is concerned we often say ‘they’ should do something about it. ‘They’ might be the Government, local councils or organisations such as the Wildlife Trusts and the RSPB. Whilst these, and others, are involved we should not forget that all of us as individuals can do much to help, especially in respect of our local wildlife.

This is the time of the year when gardeners, even reluctant ones, lumber into action. Take the opportunity to do a wildlife health check in your garden to make sure that it is welcoming to wildlife, especially the birds and insects which fill it with colour, song and movement throughout the summer. They all need somewhere to nest and rest, feed and breed.

So, what are the essentials? A garden should be three dimensional, with a ‘skeleton’ of small and medium size shrubs and trees appropriate to the size of the garden. Climbing plants like honeysuckle and ivy on walls and fences provide food, roosting and nesting places. Ivy is especially good as it a late flowerer and provides juicy berries in the winter. Groundcover plants are homes for creepy-crawlies and restaurants for birds like dunnocks and robins.

After the plants water is the next essential. A pool is best but, if that is not possible, an old sink or bath containing some water plants will help. At the very least a bird bath allows birds to drink and bathe. Next on your list should be a selection of blossoms and flowers, lasting from spring to early winter, which provide pollen for bees, hover flies and other insects. Favour single rather than double flowers. Some of the insects will repay you by acting as natural pest controllers; many hover fly larvae for instance feed on aphids.

Having provided for the insects don’t forget to feed the birds, some of which also help to control insect and other pests. Seeds, suet balls and mealworms are all good, but by leaving some seed heads on the plants, letting some grass grow long, and allowing a few hidden corners to fill with leaves you will provide good foraging areas. Together with a log pile these corners will also help beetles, hedgehogs, frogs, newts and toads as well.

And don’t forget the bird and bat boxes!

Twitter: @PeteWestbrom