Forum Topic

wildife

I would like to attract wildlife to garden.But my garden is tiny.Any ideas on how I can do this.Last year I put out bird food, only to find my squirrel pulled down the bird feeder and then eating the food.

Mark Yates ● 6216d8 Comments

We've found the RSPB squirrel-proof feeders effective.  They are mostly traditional-style feeders with sturdy metal cages around them. They definitely stop squirrels eating the seed though doesn't necessarily stop them from trying but they seem to give up once they realise they can't get through the metal.  The link to the RSPB shop is http://shopping.rspb.org.uk/mall/departmentpage.cfm/rspb/76565/1/1Good luck.

David Highton ● 6214d

We've got a home made bird feeder, it's best described as a flag pole with a perch type feeder on top. The squirrels tried to climb but the pole but because its plastic they kept slipping down and have now given up.  Small birds love it, we get quite a variety and love watching them.

Pat Kingham ● 6214d

I can sympathise about the squirrels - little XXXXXXXs.  The only way I have found to defeat them is to get a feeder with a hemispherical dome over the top.  As long as the feeder is hung where the only way for the squirrels to get to it is from above (so at least, say, 4' high and a couple of feet away from anywhere they can jump sideways) then they just cannot get a purchase.

David Bourne ● 6215d

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7060000/newsid_7062500/7062508.stmis what happens to gutsy squirrels...

Alan Brainsby ● 6215d

Small Tortoiseshell butterflies also lay their eggs on nettles.  There aren't as many butterflies around this year:http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/article/9/34/disappearance_of_popular_butterfly_baffles_scientists_.html

Philippa Bond ● 6216d

Avoid using insecticide and weedkiller as much as you can!  Red Admiral and Peacock butterflies lay their eggs on nettles.  Weeds are just plants which grow out of place.  When they are not in the garden they are wild flowers.  Buddleia is also known as the Butterfly Bush.I hung a bird feeder on a very flexible branch of shrub honeysuckle thinking the squirrels wouldn't reach it because it would not take their weight.  The branch was chewed off so that it fell to the ground.I hung another 'squirrel-proof' one up recently.  It lasted a day.  The rolled wire netting had been prised open so that the bottom fell off. I haven't the time or energy to continue this battle!

Philippa Bond ● 6216d

Depends what you want - plant Buddleia for butterflies, leave the nettles alone apparently (can't remember what likes them but a gardener told me this week that something does)and something nice and smelly: honeysuckle, lavender, sage or rosemary for bees.

Sara Nathan ● 6216d

I had trouble with squirrels and pigeons nicking all the food, but found some bird-feeders specially designed so that only small birds can get at the food. Try googling for bird feeders and you should find something suitable quite quickly. The squirrels and pigeons still have a good go for it, mind!I notice you say 'my' squirrel. Maybe he needs more discipline?

Susan Kelly ● 6216d