NATURE

1. Give up or limit use of pesticides in your garden. Try to introduce natural methods of controlling pests. Attract ladybirds to visit your garden frequently, they are known aphids-lovers. Sprinkle plants endangered by aphids with sugary-water (half full-spoon of sugar dissolve in one litre of water).

2. Buy peat-free products; make your own compost. Peat extraction damages fragile ecosystems of peat-bogs, which cannot be recreated. This is why you shout avoid using peat in your garden.

3. Create a pond. Ponds are wonderful for wildlife and can be made even in a very small garden. Such a garden pond does not have to be big – an old sink will do. Do not forget to place a few stones at one end, so that frogs can get out easily.

4. Do not forget about birds. Plant such trees and shrubs which will encourage these winged creatures to visit your garden. While furnishing your garden or allotment, you may also think about birds, which shall visit them in autumn and winter in search for food - plant some bushes which have fruit up to winter, e.g. hawthorn and common sea buckthorn. Do not fell old trees with holes. They may be of no use to you, but may appear a wonderful gift for birds. Read more on

5. Leave a small pile of logs in a quiet corner of your garden. Decaying logs will provide shelter for a wide range of insects and mammals, e.g. hedgehogs.

6. Place a water butt in your garden and collect rainwater. By using this water in the garden you will reduce the consumption of mains water.