Backgarden nature exploration and projects
On this page you'll find activities and ideas to occupy yourself and family in your garden or local outdoor space.
Garden projects
-
British wildlife
How to make a bird box
Putting up a nesting box could be a big help to your local birds. Our simple design is ideal for small songbirds and sparrows.
-
British wildlife
How to make a bird feeder
Follow our simple guide to building a bird feeder for your garden from a reused plastic bottle.
-
British wildlife
How to make fat balls for birds
Help your local wild birds to survive winter by putting out these nutritious fat balls.
-
British wildlife
How to make a bird bath
Birds need access to water year-round. Help them out by building a simple garden bird bath.
-
British wildlife
How to make a bee hotel
Give solitary bees a home by making this simple, DIY bee hotel.
-
British wildlife
How to make a log pile to provide shelter for garden wildlife
A log pile can give home and shelter to some of the smaller inhabitants of your garden.
-
British wildlife
How to make a bug hotel: a ladybird lodge
This simple DIY insect hotel is perfect for ladybirds looking for somewhere to hibernate in winter.
-
British wildlife
Seven simple ways to create a wildlife-friendly garden
Find out how to help urban nature and attract more wildlife to your garden.
-
British wildlife
How to grow a lawn that's better for wildlife
Attract bees to your lawn with clover, grow a mini wildflower meadow, add areas of aromatic thyme and more ideas.
-
British wildlife
How to grow a wildflower pot for pollinators
Growing native wildflowers helps provide the right food for pollinating insects, making life better for your local wildlife.
-
British wildlife
How to attract butterflies to your garden
Filling your garden with insects will make your flowerbeds beautiful and support biodiversity. Ecologist Larissa Cooper explains how.
-
British wildlife
How to make a simple butterfly feeder
Put on a butterfly buffet and watch these intriguing insects feeding.
-
Anthropocene
How to grow a loofah
For a summer gardening project and a sustainable swap, luffa fruits can be grown to be used in place of synthetic sponges.
-
Anthropocene
How to make a worm composter
Turn your kitchen food scraps into fantastic fertiliser by making a wormery.
-
British wildlife
How to make a small wildlife pond
A garden pond is one of the best ways you can help Britain's wildlife. You can create one in even the tiniest of gardens.
-
British wildlife
FAQ about creating and maintaining a garden wildlife pond
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about garden pond set-up, maintenance and care.
For keen-eyed nature spotters
-
British wildlife
Birdwatching is not only good for you it also expands your world
The simple act of watching birds opens a window onto a whole other world right on your doorstep.
-
British wildlife
British garden birds: autumn and winter highlights
Meet some of the birds you're likely to spot in your garden during the colder months of the year.
-
British wildlife
British garden birds: spring and summer highlights
Find out about some of the birds you're likely to see and hear in parks and gardens.
-
British wildlife
How to pond dip
Pond dipping is a wonderful way to look at the creatures that live in and around pond water.
-
British wildlife
How to make a pitfall trap to catch insects and other minibeasts
Want to find out what small creatures are crawling around your garden? Follow our steps to set up a simple pitfall trap.
-
British wildlife
How to make a footprint tunnel that reveals what wildlife visits your garden
Have you ever wondered what wildlife wanders through your garden when you're not watching?
-
British wildlife
Night life: how to spot insects in the dark
What nocturnal insects will you find where you live?
-
British wildlife
How to go rockpooling
Want to explore the life lurking in seashore rock pools? Find out what you need and what you might see.
-
Fossil hunting: How to find fossils on the beach
All it takes is a bit of practice and plenty of patience.
-
Wildlife photography
10 smartphone camera tips for wildlife photography beginners
Dive into wildlife photography and discover how to take show-stopping images with only your phone camera.
-
Space
Shooting stars: How to photograph the night sky
Anyone can capture the majesty of the galaxy with a simple camera. All you need is a dark, clear night and the willingness to have a go.
Identify your finds 🔍
Need help in indentifying what you've seen?
Our ID guides and expert team are here to assist you.
Do your bit for nature
Biodiversity is connected to almost every aspect of our lives, but it needs our help. Small actions can make a big difference.