Each spring brings new chicks, cubs and hoglets – many born in our gardens.
But as lawns are cut, hedges trimmed and bonfires started, the RSPCA sees a surge in calls about injured wildlife.
Last year the charity received nearly 102,000 requests to assist wild animals in trouble –11 every hour.
TV presenter Chris Packham has now called on gardeners to lead the march to protect UK wildlife, calling them “the secret weapon” against the devastating decline of our native species.
There are an estimated 879,000 hedgehogs in the UK, a dramatic decline that has seen the species now listed as vulnerable to extinction.
He said: “Wildlife is under threat, but we all have the power to change that.
“Gardens are our sanctuary, but they are also thriving ecosystems providing homes, shelter and food for a huge range of animals.”
The UK’s 23 million gardens are more than four times the size of the land that makes up nature reserves.
He added: “Not only are people with gardens vital in protecting animals from common garden injuries like being hurt by strimmers, burned by bonfires, tangled in netting and drowning in ponds, but also they are critical in turning the tide of wildlife loss.”
Simple bird feeders, bug and hedgehog hotels as well log piles, will help boost wildlife populations by billions.
The RSPCA has also teamed up with award-winning designer, Martyn Wilson, to create a wildlife sanctuary garden, which will be part of this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
It will include a water feature made from recycled plastic, a reference to the litter that traps and injures thousands of animals.
Chris said: “The design is modern and stylish and shows wildlife gardens don’t necessarily have to be informal. I really hope people will be inspired to create their own wildlife sanctuary at home.
“As the evenings get lighter and weather warms up, people are starting to spend more time in the garden, it’s also the time when the RSPCA starts to see an influx of calls to help wild animals.”
For more information, you can go to rspca.org.uk/chelseaflower
Dorcha's in full-on nest mode
Two ospreys who became famous during the 2020 lockdown have laid their first egg.
Viewers from around the world watched as Dorcha laid her first egg last Friday at 5.45am in the Scottish Highlands.
She is expected to produce a second egg by today with a third likely to come in the middle of next week.
Chicks are expected to emerge in the nest by the end of May.
