Garden Season: Tips for Protecting Wildlife

For many people, working in the garden is a source of relaxation and recreation.

Especially now in spring, when everything is shooting up from the ground, gardeners face particular demands. At the same time, a great many wild animals are out and about, making use of these small habitats. The Swiss Animal Protection STS highlights potential hazards and shows how hobby gardeners can actively contribute to animal welfare in their own gardens.

Beware of nets: Nets are used to protect berries, grapes, and fruit from birds. When used improperly, loosely stretched or holey nets, or net sections lying on the ground, can become a deadly trap for birds and hedgehogs. Nets should be used for as short a time as possible, must be pulled taut, and the threads should be as soft, light-coloured, and brightly coloured as possible. Nets should be checked regularly and conscientiously, and any animals caught in them should be freed immediately but carefully.

Beware of hedge trimming: A dense hedge offers many animals shelter and refuge. It is used by various songbirds as a nesting site. To avoid disturbing nesting birds and endangering the rearing of their young, it is important to postpone the cutting back of hedges and trees until after the end of the birds' breeding season — at the end of July.

Beware of pesticides: For the sake of a wildlife-friendly environment, the use of poisons and chemicals (rodent and insect control, insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, and artificial fertilisers) should be avoided.

Beware of brush cutters, string trimmers, and leaf blowers: When using these devices, there is a significant risk that countless animals will be killed, injured, or at least severely disturbed. For some gardeners, their instinct for tidiness gets in the way. A neat and tidy garden offers animals far less habitat quality than one that is left slightly wild in at least a few spots, with piles of wood and leaves left in place.

Beware of robotic lawnmowers: These otherwise practical work aids shred numerous small animals alongside blades of grass during operation. Since young hedgehogs are also potentially at risk, robotic lawnmowers should only be used during the day and ideally under supervision.

Beware of drowning hazards: Rain barrels and larger water containers must be fitted with an exit so that animals that have fallen in can free themselves quickly and easily.

Watch out for nesting boxes: From November until after the bird breeding season in early summer, no alterations should be made to hanging nesting boxes so as not to disturb their breeding activity.

Diverse structures in the garden are vital for many wildlife species, as they serve as hiding places, building materials, or retreat options. The more varied niches on offer, the better. Providing structures need not be costly or elaborate — on the contrary: a little less tidying up, a little less order, is the way to go.

More information: www.tierschutz.com/wildtiere