Wildlife friendly gardening

UK wildlife is under threat, but we all have the power to change that. Take our quiz to find out how wildlife friendly your outdoor space is. Then join us and take a pledge to do more.

Take our wildlife gardening quiz

Become a wildlife friend

Choose an activity that will help you welcome more wildlife into your garden. You can make a difference, no matter how little space you have.

Close-up of a bee feeding on nectar from a colourful purple flower.

Plant for pollinators

Low effort
As bees buzz from flower to flower feeding on nectar, they transport pollen on their bodies. This helps flowers and crops fertilise and reproduce.

A homemade hedgehog house made from bricks, sticks and grass.

Build a hedgehog house

Medium effort
Building a home for hedgehogs to feed, sleep and hibernate in is a great way to protect this declining species.

An outdoor shed planted with grass seed and wild flowers on is roof to attract all kinds of wildlife.

Create a green roof

High effort
Flat roofs can be cleverly planted to provide insulation, drainage and a home for birds and insects.

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Become a wildlife friend

Choose from our range of easy-to-do wildlife activities and help welcome wildlife into your garden. You can make a difference, no matter how little the space you have.

Explore all activities

Bug hotel made from a clear plastic container filled with tightly rolled tubes of paper, hanging by a string among leafy green ivy.

How to build a bug hotel

Explore our range of easy-to-do wildlife activities, to help protect local wildlife from the comfort of your home – and garden.

Adult supervision required

Make a wildlife rescue box

Learn how to build your own wildlife rescue box, to help rescue and transport sick or injured small animals to the vet.

Child friendly

DIY eco bird feeder hanging from a tree branch, made from twigs tied into a triangular pyramid shape with orange string, holding an apple in the centre.

Make an eco bird feeder

Make a simple feeders, using natural, recycled materials. You'll help keep the birds fed all year round.

Child friendly

Sign up for seasonal wildlife tips

Learn what to do if you find sick or injured wildlife and get seasonal tips to help wildlife in your area. Sign up to receive our Buzz newsletters.

The RSPCA Garden at Chelsea

We showcased our Sanctuary Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023. Our stylish and sustainable wildlife garden was generously funded by Project Giving Back and created by award-winning designer Martyn Wilson. With UK wildlife under threat, we want to inspire everyone to do more with their own outdoor spaces.

Find out more

The Sanctuary Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Keep your garden safe for wildlife

Stash that netting: We rescue hundreds of animals a year that've been tangled in netting. Put sports nets away after use and make sure any nets you use in the vegetable patch or over ponds are pulled tight and checked regularly.

Check who's hiding: Before you cut back trees and shrubs, strim long grass or clear garden waste, make sure no animals are sheltering there. Always check bonfire piles before you light them and give wildlife time to escape.

Avoid chemicals: Using chemicals such as pesticides and weed killer in the garden destroys habitats and is bad news for biodiversity. Keep all wildlife (as well as pets and children) safe by choosing natural, organic methods.

More advice on protecting wildlife in your garden

Found a baby bird out of a nest?

If you find a baby bird, keep your pets away and follow our advice.

How to help injured wildlife

Read our guidance on how to safely help injured wild animals.

How litter harms animals

Binning our rubbish safely can save many animals’ lives.

Keep your garden safe for wildlife

Stash that netting

We rescue hundreds of animals a year who've been tangled in netting. Put sports nets away after use and make sure any nets you use in the vegetable patch or over ponds are pulled tight and checked regularly.

Check who's hiding

Before you cut back trees and shrubs, strim long grass or clear garden waste, make sure no animals are sheltering there. Always check bonfire piles before you light them and give wildlife time to escape.

Avoid chemicals

Using chemicals such as pesticides and weed killer in the garden destroys habitats and is bad news for biodiversity. Keep all wildlife (as well as pets and children) safe by choosing natural, organic methods.

Want more advice like this?

To receive more wildlife and animal welfare advice straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter. We'll also keep you up to date with the RSPCA and what we do.