If you think you are seeing more and more native animals in your urban garden, chances are you are right.
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As suitable natural habitat decreases, bird, mammals frogs and reptiles are making their way into urban yards looking for a place to call home.
Even though it can be tough to replicate the natural ecosystem and environment in your backyard, a wildlife-friendly garden is most certainly attainable.
Diversity, especially in plants, is the key.
Animals require plants for food and shelter but these plants can also attract other forms of food, such as insects, into the garden.
WIRES Mid South Coast branch has a few tips for gardeners in order to encourage native animals into your urban yard.
Plants that are of varying size are important. Native wildlife depends on tall flora to supply shade, medium ones to provide shelter and small plants and ground covers for ground-dwelling animals, such as lizards.
Possum boxes can be placed in safe areas on trees in the garden. For instructions on how to build one visit www.wires.org.au/wildlife-info/wildlife-factsheets/making-a-possum-box
Place mulch and rocks around to create additional habitats as well as ponds.
If your have netting in your yard, please use wildlife-safe netting and limit the use of chemicals.
Provide a simple birdbath in a place that is safe from cats. These need to be cleaned regularly and they should only be shallow, or have twigs inside so that the birds can easily climb out.
Following these points and chatting to your neighbours to encourage them to do the same, will create an alternative space for native animals and they might choose your very own backyard to call home.