nature

I love this advert from the RSPB.

View it [HERE].

Watching it, I thought 'I'll have to make some little houses for creatures in the garden'. Then I realised we already have them. Only now I want to make little signs to put beside them, just like the little girl in the advert!

Behold the Ladybird Hotel. Made about 8 or 9 years ago.

Simple to make. Drill holes in a sturdy log, then make a little roof and push bamboo sticks inside. The idea is that ladybirds - or other creepy crawlies - will move in. I have no idea if anything lives in there, but judging by the cobwebs, something happens there.

The husband made this Hedgehog House a few years ago. It has a carpet base, straw is bunched up inside. Again, not sure if anyone is using it now, but as cobwebs cover the entrance, I'm thinking not. They do use it though. One year I was having a tidy up, and picked it up so I could clean underneath and around. I screamed when I saw a hedgehog curled up at the back, covered in straw. Not sure why I screamed, he was just sleeping. I quickly put the house back down, the hedgehog didn't even realise he'd been spotted.

I need to give the dish a little wash, but I do make sure it's full of water. We've had such horrid, dry, hot weather lately, that it's important the hedgies have access to water.

The house might not be in use right now, but I'm sure it will be. The security light went on a few nights ago, and looking out I saw this character.

Thick ivy grows along our back fence, birds often build nests in it. It can be a job keeping cats away from the nests, but it isn't impossible. I love cats, they are always welcome in the garden. Well, as long as they don't poo or kill baby birds.

Butterflies and bees are always welcome too. There aren't any homes made for them, but there are lots of bee and butterfly friendly plants in the garden.

Besides, the butterflies don't need a home. They much prefer to perch on top of The Girl!