In the UK, a third of wild bee and hoverfly species are in decline across Great Britain, raising concerns about biodiversity declines and the potential loss of pollinators.

A habitat is a place that provides everything one needs to survive including shelter, water, food and sunlight and adding these elements to your garden or balcony can help to attract bees and butterflies.

Shelter can include trees, shrubs and vines, particularly fruit-bearing or flowering trees and water can be added to the garden in the form of bird baths, ponds and water features but you could even do something as simple as placing a shallow dish filled with water in an accessible area – this can attract both birds and butterflies. Place a few rocks above the water level to give birds and butterflies a place to land.

Sunlight is not always a factor we can control in the UK! But planting in areas that get a good amount of sun attract butterflies that need to warm their wings to prepare their wings for flight. Birds also rely on sunlight to determine their sleep, reproductive and migration cycles.

Birds generally eat insects and seeds, so attracting insects to the garden often also brings birds to the garden. Think about adding a bird feeder too – fruit, seeds and peanuts (unsalted) are good options.

These are incredibly simple steps that will make a profound difference to any garden and to those enjoying it. Finding ways to share your outdoor space with birds, bees and insects will support biodiversity and bring a fascinating new dimension that will have you hooked before you realise it!