It’s true to say that I’m often out and about, driving around the beautiful Somerset countryside in search of places where I might find a variety of interesting flora and fauna.

However, the other day I was reminded just how much variety I had right on my very own doorstep. I am, of course, referring to my wildlife garden.

They are a great way to attract a wide range of local wildlife into your garden, and with very low maintenance needed, they don’t take up too much of your time either.

In our pond we have frogs, both smooth and palmate newts, pond slaters – a cousin of the woodlouse – and a host of other fascinating creatures. Among the various plant life we have soldier beetles, grasshoppers, shield bugs and a large variety of spiders.

The bird feeders bring in many species of birds such as great spotted woodpeckers, the beautiful goldfinch, and blue, great and long-tailed tits. Jays sometimes feed from the bird table as well.

One of the best visitors we get has to be the hedgehogs, a species now in rapid decline, which really shows the importance of having a wildlife garden.

So, although I travel around the beautiful Somerset countryside in search of wildlife, in truth, I have my very own mini-nature reserve right on my doorstep. So why not consider starting your own mini-nature reserve, large or small? Then you too will experience the joys of wildlife gardening.

LB Loxley