We garden on a broadly organic basis using our own home made compost and leaf mould to feed the soil. Some commercial fertilizers are used to feed tomato plants and those plants in containers, however we never use any form of chemical spray or pesticide. The bonus is the abundant wildlife which is attracted into the garden. We keep a record of the wildlife that visits. Some creatures are regular visitors and others more fleeting, all are welcome albeit some more so than others and we are sure they enjoy the many aphids and other ‘pests’ they find here.
Over the course of a year the following wildlife has been seen:
BIRDS
Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Redwing, Fieldfare, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Magpie, Pigeon, Brambling, Dunnock, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Swallow, House Martin, Swift, Goldcrest, Robin, Wren, Siskin, Collared Dove, Sparrowhawk, Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Little Owl, Pheasant, Mallard Ducks, Moorhen
In 2018 a real treat was a pair of Mandarin Ducks nesting in a hollow apple tree, 6 ducklings fledged and on one occasion 4 male Mandarins were seen visiting the garden. Let’s hope they come back another year.
We also see Buzzards, Herons and Stonechats in the adjoining farmland.
We are lucky enough to live close to the River Severn and frequently observe Canada Geese, Swans and Cormorants flying along the course of the river.
BUTTERFLIES/MOTHS
Peacock, Orange Tip, Speckled Wood, Small White, Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Comma, Red Admiral, Ringlet, Cinnabar Moth, Tortoiseshell, Small Copper, Small Skipper, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Marbled White
MAMMALS AND OTHERS
Fox, Badger, Grey Squirrel, Rabbit, Hedgehog, Bats, Grass Snake, Frog, Toad, Newt, Slow Worm, Dragonfly, Ladybird, Hoverfly, Bumble Bees
Along with a multitude of insect life which we aren’t skilled enough to positively identify.
All photographs taken in our garden
Tales from a Country Garden 