Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and Garden Invertebrate Habitat

Garden invertebrates including beetles, spiders, and centipedes are essential components of ecological welfare, with simple habitat creation providing significant benefits.

Key Facts

UK gardens cover an area larger than all National Nature Reserves combined
Invertebrate diversity in gardens supports birds, bats, hedgehogs, and other wildlife
Log piles provide habitat for over 100 species of invertebrates in a single garden
Compost heaps support slow worms, grass snakes, and many invertebrate species
Reducing or eliminating pesticide use doubles garden invertebrate diversity within one season

Welfare Considerations

Garden invertebrate welfare is foundational for the entire urban wildlife web. Creating invertebrate habitat benefits a cascade of species across the garden ecosystem.

What You Can Do

Create log piles and compost heaps to provide invertebrate habitat
Eliminate pesticide use in your garden
Leave leaf litter and dead stems overwinter as invertebrate hibernation habitat