As the days grow longer and the sun begins to warm our gardens, spring brings a flurry of activity across the UK. After the stillness of winter, many wild animals are waking up, moving around, and getting ready to breed. For urban wildlife, our gardens can make all the difference – and by supporting and observing nature, we can boost our own wellbeing too.

One of the best things we can do in spring is… not too much. While it’s tempting to rush outside and tidy everything, a slightly messy garden is far more welcoming for wildlife. Piles of leaves, dead plant stems and patches of long grass provide shelter for insects emerging from winter. These insects are vital food for birds, bats, hedgehogs and frogs, so leaving some areas undisturbed helps the whole food chain.

Hedgehogs are often still waking from hibernation in early spring and may be spotted out during the day, looking for food. They’ve used up a lot of energy over winter, so continuing to put out meat-based cat or hedgehog food, along with fresh water, can really help. Spring is also a good time to check that hedgehogs can move easily through your garden. Small gaps at the base of fences create “hedgehog highways”, allowing them to roam in search of food and mates – essential if we’re to help their numbers recover.

Birds are one of the joys of spring, with dawn choruses echoing through streets and parks. Many species begin nesting earlier than we realise, so it’s best to avoid cutting hedges or disturbing thick shrubs from March onwards. Old nests under eaves or in roof spaces should be left in place, as swallows, house martins and swifts often return to the same spot year after year. If nesting spaces are limited, adding bird boxes can help – just be sure to place them out of direct sun and away from predators.

As birds start feeding hungry chicks, natural food becomes even more important than seed alone. Insects provide the protein young birds need to grow, so planting for insects is one of the best ways to support birdlife. Native trees, shrubs and wildflowers are especially valuable, as they support far more insects than non-native plants. Hawthorn, rowan and hazel offer blossom and shelter, while spring flowers such as primrose, cowslip and lungwort provide early nectar for bees.

Pollinators are especially busy in spring. Queen bumblebees emerge to start new colonies, and solitary bees search for nesting sites. Leaving some bare soil in a sunny spot helps ground-nesting bees, while hollow stems, log piles and bee hotels offer homes for others. Avoiding pesticides is crucial – these chemicals don’t just kill pests; they kill insects that keep gardens healthy and provide food for wildlife.

Ponds come into their own in spring too. Frogs, toads and newts return to water to breed, sometimes travelling long distances to do so. If you have a pond, check there’s a shallow edge or ramp so animals can get in and out safely. Let plants grow naturally and avoid adding fish, which eat amphibian eggs. Even a small pond or water bowl can provide a vital drink for birds, hedgehogs and pollinators during dry spells. Access our guide to creating a mini-pond – a meaningful, rewarding way to connect with nature.

Bats also benefit from wildlife-friendly gardens in spring, as flying insects become more abundant. Keeping hedges and trees connected creates dark corridors that bats use to navigate and hunt. Bat boxes on buildings or trees can offer extra roosting spaces. It’s worth remembering that bats cause very little damage and are legally protected.

By making small, thoughtful changes in spring, our gardens can become stepping stones for wildlife throughout villages, towns and cities. Every wild corner, flowering plant and shared space helps build a more connected landscape – one where nature can recover and flourish alongside us. And as wildlife returns in abundance, we all get to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature thriving in the spring.

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