Project Description

I have become very aware over the last few years of the loss of biodiversity and habitats that have occurred both locally and globally and after reading a few books on the subject I decided to “rewild” my gardens both back and front a couple of years back. I did this by basically taking a step back and letting nature take over and seeing what happens.

I have a small front garden and now I only fully cut once a year, I cut a strip either side of the driveway every few weeks. There is a lovely willow tree at the front of the garden which is starting to blossom with catkins which are great for early emerging bees. Directly in front of the front window is a mixture of Ash, Rowan and other shrubs which I do have to cut down every 2-3 years as it completely blocks the front window, most of the cuttings from this I place around the walls to let them decay naturally and in doing so create a habitat for a range of invertebrates which in turn can supply a source of food for wild birds.

Having become aware of declining populations of house sparrows since I was a child due to home improvements which can limit the number of nest sites they can occupy I put up a three compartment nest box designed for them which I purchased five years ago from Birdwatch Ireland, now each compartment is occupied during the spring and summer raising two broods per compartment.

In the back garden (which is quite small) there are two Rowan trees and an Elder tree along with some shrubs which resemble fuchsia, these are great for pollinators and provide berries for the birds. There is also a willow tree which died naturally last year which I have decided to leave to decay naturally. There is a patch of brambles which I have let grow and the blossoms from these are also great for bees and hoverflies and last year I’m 99% sure I saw a Comma Butterfly on them. The berries are a welcome addition mixed in with my porridge in the mornings at the end of summer.

I’m sure most people passing my house think I’ve let the place go to rack and ruin, however it does give me an enormous sense of well-being seeing the hive of activity going on through the spring and summer months followed by the autumnal glow as the foliage dies back for another year.

Photos credit © Shane Cullen