Gardens are one of the easiest places to introduce children to nature, and you don’t need acres of space to make a difference. Laois County Council has produced a free booklet packed with simple, practical suggestions for making your garden more welcoming to wildlife such as birds, bees, butterflies and other garden visitors. Here’s how to get your hands on this free guide to creating a wildlife haven in your garden, plus a companion colouring book for kids.
No matter how big or small your garden is, it can become a little oasis for wildlife, and small changes can make a big difference. It’s a lovely activity to do together as a family.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: How to Create a Wildlife Friendly Garden
Create a Wildlife Haven in Your Garden
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wildlife-garden-2-1.jpg
With an estimated 2 million gardens across Ireland, small changes made in individual gardens can add up to a real benefit for biodiversity. Spending time in nature is also good for our wellbeing and mental health, making garden projects a win for both wildlife and the whole family.
Author of the guide, Juanita Browne, wanted to inspire people to make small changes by creating simple guides to gardening with biodiversity in mind.
Juanita explains: “Gardening for biodiversity doesn’t equate to letting your garden go wild, but doing things a little differently. For instance, when choosing plants to buy in a garden centre, perhaps you could choose plants that have insects on their flowers.”
“Or you could create a wildflower strip around your lawn where dandelions, daisies, clover and other wildflowers are allowed to grow. These small changes can bring huge benefits for biodiversity.”
Things to Do in Your Garden for Wildlife
The guide offers ideas for simple changes that can help butterflies, bees, birds, bats and other wildlife. Many of them cost nothing and take very little effort, such as:
- Allowing some of the “gold star plants for biodiversity” — bramble, clover, ivy, willow, dandelion — to grow in a corner of your garden
- Leaving an “untidy” patch of your garden for nature
- Letting roadside verges grow naturally rather than mowing them
These small steps can make a big difference for the wildlife visiting your garden.
For families who want to take on a bigger project, the guide also includes instructions for building a hedgehog log pile, installing a pond or bog garden, and building a bird bath.
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wildlife-garden-3-1.jpg
The booklet was produced by Laois County Council with the assistance of Local Authority Heritage Officers around the country, supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Heritage Council. It was funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as part of an initiative encouraging projects under the National Biodiversity Plan.
The guide is designed to suit all levels of gardening experience, from complete beginners to keen DIY enthusiasts, with clear instructions and step-by-step illustrations throughout by illustrator Barry Reynolds.
Where to Get the Free Guide and Kids’ Colouring Book
The free “Gardening for Biodiversity” guide is available to download here.
There’s also a free companion Biodiversity in Your Garden Colouring Book, featuring child-friendly information on garden wildlife alongside colouring pages using Barry Reynolds’ illustrations.
Free hard copies may also be requested from your local Local Authority Heritage Office.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Treats for the Birds – Make a Bird Feeder
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Get-a-Free-Guide-to-Create-a-Wildlife-Haven-in-Your-Garden-Mykidstime-1.jpg
FAQs
Is the wildlife garden guide really free?
Yes. Both the “Gardening for Biodiversity” guide and the companion colouring book are free to download as PDFs, and free hard copies can be requested through your Local Authority Heritage Office.
Do I need a big garden to make it wildlife-friendly?
Not at all. Even small changes — leaving a patch of clover, adding a shallow water dish, or letting a corner grow naturally — can help bees, birds and other visitors, whatever the size of your garden.
Is this guide only useful for people in Laois?
No. While the guide was produced by Laois County Council, the advice applies to gardens anywhere, and the project had support from Heritage Officers across the country.
What age is the colouring book suitable for?
It’s designed for children and combines simple, child-friendly information about garden wildlife with illustrated colouring pages, making it a nice activity for younger family members.
More Garden Ideas for Families
- How to Create a Wildlife Friendly Garden
- Treats for the Birds – Make a Bird Feeder
- Fun Outdoor Activities to Try With the Kids
Keep the Outdoor Fun Going
There’s so much fun to be had outdoors with kids — download our free outdoor activities checklist to keep track of your family’s favourites.
Tell Me More!
Don’t Miss a Family Idea
Want more free guides, garden activities and family days-out inspiration delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up to our newsletter for a weekly dose of ideas to enjoy with the kids.
