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The majority of British gardeners have not noticed any reduction in insects or animals, despite reports of unusual seasonal weather damaging wildlife. This is the finding of a poll conducted by Gardeners' World Magazine, which also found that some species - reportedly in decline - appear to be thriving.
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Despite fears the wet Summer would have a damaging impact, 45 per cent of Gardeners' World Magazine readers surveyed felt wildlife levels were the same compared to previous years, with 20 per cent even noticing an uplift. Less than a third registered a reduction.
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Of the 1056 readers surveyed, nine out of ten were taking active steps to encourage wildlife, with measures including: making log piles; planting plants to specifically encourage wildlife; using bug boxes; and making bird nesting boxes.
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Despite recent reports that many species of frogs were facing the threat of extinction, the survey found that frogs were actually the most common creature spotted, found in two thirds of gardens, ahead of squirrels, mice, hedgehogs and foxes.
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In terms of other species reportedly in decline, butterflies were also seen by 97.25 per cent of gardeners, only just pipped as 'the most seen insect' by the common spider with 97.54 per cent.
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However not all wildlife was welcomed by gardeners, with rats the most hated, followed by slugs, then squirrels.
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Interestingly despite its 'cuddly domestic pet' status cats were the fourth most unwelcome visitor, beating such unsavoury characters as foxes, mice, wasps and even snakes.
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Adam Pasco, editor of Gardeners' World magazine says: "This survey will give encouragement to wildlife fans throughout the UK and it is encouraging to see some species, reportedly in decline, appearing in healthy numbers.
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"A large part of this is down to the key role that gardeners have at 'the front line' of preserving our wonderful diversity of wildlife. Nature has a fantastic way of adapting, even to changing weather conditions, and with a helping hand it can really be made to thrive.
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"However, this shouldn’t make us complacent as there are still a host of threats out there. I would urge gardeners to take steps to preserve wildlife during the winter to make sure the positive trend continues."
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In November's Gardeners' World magazine, on sale now, there are five easy projects to save garden wildlife, to help make your garden a winter retreat for bugs, bees and hedgehogs.
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Gardeners' World is on sale now, priced at Β£3.30.
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Toby Hicks
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Notes to editors
- Gardeners' World is the market leading gardening magazine with 303,622 monthly readers.
- 1056 members of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Gardeners' World magazine online reader panel responded to the survey.
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