The really wild show

Provide shelter as the winter draws in

- with DAVID DOMONEY

Take care of our prickly friends

With colder, wetter weather, wildlife changes its habits. Our plots can provide food, water and shelter, even in busy towns and small spaces, and you don't need acres to make a difference. A few thoughtful tweaks will turn your garden into a welcoming haven.

Let parts of your garden go wild Allowing selected corners to grow wild is brilliant for biodiversity and keeps the garden enjoyable. Mark out a section and let the grass rise, or sow a pocket meadow. Choose a sunny, open spot with moist, well-draining soil. Clear the area of weeds and rake it to a fine tilth. Then, scatter a native wildflower mix. Lightly rake it in and water.

Autumn sowings germinate within weeks, then sit over winter to root, ready to burst into life in spring. Pollinators will thank you with more bees and butterflies next year.