Claire and Robin Roper's own garden had many problems. Situated in fairly wild countryside, the house was on an estate, surrounded by other houses, and the site is windy. The garden had returned mainly to weeds and rough grass. More bio-diversity was needed if it was to attract a wide range of local wildlife.
Claire and Robin wanted the garden to provide a variety of habitats to attract wildlife. They introduced hedges, two ponds and a marshy area, a meadow, a dry-stone wall, log piles, and long grass and wildflowers. The pond liner was extended out to one side, creating a small wet meadow. On the pond's cold and windy side a dry-stone wall provides habitats for reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. It also acts as a suntrap.
At the opposite side of the pond is a log pile which is topped up with extra dead wood. This attracts fungi and a wide range of animals and insects.
The hedge is already a useful shelterbelt and roosting, nesting and foraging site for birds. There is also a bird feeding station near to the house.
Insecticides, herbicides dir fungicides are not allowed in this garden and as much as possible is recycled. A worm bin produces nutrient-rich compost and there is also a compost bin, a bin for making comfrey fertilizer and water-harvesting barrels
Plants were chosen for both their- wildlife value and shape. Dramatically shaped plants are included, such
as angelica and cardoon. Most species are natural to the area of southern England where the Ropers live, and so are best suited to attracting local wildlife. It is always important to go for local native plants for this reason.
