Bee, wasp or hoverfly: what’s visiting my garden?
Large eyes and short antennae often point to a hoverfly; longer antennae point to a bee or wasp. Use several visible clues to identify a striped UK garden visitor safely.
3 min read
Nature, a little nearer
The wild begins
at your doorstep.
Discover the birds, creatures and quiet wonders of your garden.
Every garden has a story.
Latest from the journal
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Hedgehog Out in the Day: When to Watch and When to Help
A UK hedgehog seen in daylight may need urgent help, but a healthy mother can be briefly active. Check the warning signs, know when to watch, and follow BHPS first aid.
4 min read
Seasonal wildlife guide
UK · September–November
Feeding wild birds this autumn
Pause seeds and peanuts through October. From November, food choices widen. Keep feeders clean and follow the seasonal guidance.
Read the autumn bird-feeding guide Browse all seasonal guides →
Seasonal wildlife guide
UK · Autumn
Make room for hedgehogs this Bonfire Night
Build on the day. Move stored materials to a clear spot just before burning. Check carefully for wildlife before lighting.
Read the hedgehog safety guide Browse all seasonal guides →
Seasonal wildlife guide
UK · Autumn and winter
Build a hedgehog house for winter
Give hedgehogs another possible winter nest site. Put a house in a quiet, sheltered spot, leave dry leaves nearby and avoid disturbing it if occupied.
Read the hedgehog-house guide Browse all seasonal guides →
Seasonal wildlife guide
UK · Spring and summer
Feeding birds in spring and summer
In UK gardens, pause seeds and peanuts from May through October. Offer suitable food in small amounts, keep water fresh and follow local guidance.
Read the spring and summer feeding guide Browse all seasonal guides →
Guide 1 of 4
Build the GroundFeeders Hedgehog House: Measured Wooden Plan
Build our wooden hedgehog house from a measured cut list and illustrated plan. Download the free six-page PDF, then fit the internal passage and removable roof.
5 min read
Is This Hedgehog Poo? Droppings, Tracks and Garden Signs
Hedgehog droppings are usually dark, firm and 15–50 mm long, often with insect fragments. Compare verified photos, then check footprints or use a camera or tracking tunnel to confirm a UK garden visit.
4 min read
How Long Does a Pet Hedgehog Live? African Pygmy Lifespan
African pygmy hedgehogs live around 3–6 years on average across veterinary guides. Learn what the figures mean and how to plan for their care.
3 min read
Are Canaries Loud? What to Expect in Your Home
Canaries make audible calls and, especially in males, sustained song. Hear the individual bird before choosing one, plan for a spacious, safe home, and treat a sudden drop in song alongside illness signs as a reason to call an avian vet.
3 min read
How to Build a Hedgehog House: Two UK Garden Options
Make a hedgehog house from a ventilated box or untreated wood. Follow the key entrance, placement and cleaning checks for a UK garden.
5 min read
How Long Can a Baby Squirrel Go Without Food? What to Do
There is no safe starvation countdown for a found baby squirrel. Learn how to give its mother a chance to return, when to call a vet, and why UK grey squirrel rules matter.
3 min read
Can Pet Hedgehogs Eat Tomatoes? Safe Portions and Preparation
A pet African pygmy hedgehog can have a little plain ripe tomato as part of its mixed fruit and vegetables. Learn how to offer it, what to avoid, and why wild UK hedgehogs need different advice.
3 min read
Can Ducks See in the Dark? Mallard Night Vision and Colour
Mallards can detect some natural light at night, but not total darkness. They are not colourblind: studies found four cone types in their retinas. Learn what that does and does not tell us about ducks after dusk.
4 min read
What Time Do Ducks Wake Up? When to Watch Wild Mallards
Wild mallards have no fixed waking time. Studies in Europe show activity peaks around dawn and dusk, while some birds feed at night. Here is when and where to watch without mistaking a dawn flight for a wake-up.
4 min read
Explore the collections
Follow your curiosity.
From garden visitors to the animals we live with, find the collection that catches your eye.
Good things grow together.
