#MakeAMetreMatter this year with a wildlife pond – even the smallest will attract wildlife to your space! Here’s Nic Wilson’s advice on how to build and maintain one, so you have creatures visiting for years on end… ✅ Do aim to cover around two thirds of the pond’s surface with plants to help prevent a buildup of algae and provide shelter for aquatic life ✅ Do stick to native plants in your wildlife pond to reduce the likelihood of invasive non-native species becoming established in the wild ✅ Do add a branch that overhangs the water as a perch for dragonflies ✅ Do plan the most important feature – a viewing spot, where you can sit and enjoy watching the wildlife that visits your pond ❌ Don’t situate your pond under deciduous trees as falling autumn leaves can cause nutrients to build up in the water ❌ Don’t add fish to a wildlife pond as they are likely to eat aquatic plants and animals ❌ Don’t feel you have to top up ponds in the summer unless they are in danger of completely drying out – some wildlife benefits from lower water levels. It’s a good idea to collect rainwater so you don’t have to use tap water if you do decide to top it up. ❌ Don’t introduce wildlife such as frogspawn from other ponds, as there’s a risk of spreading disease (fb)

Get more flowers over a longer period by giving your plants the Chelsea Chop! Here are 6 plants you can Chelsea chop right now: Phlox Cut back phlox to encourage greater production of the richly scented blooms. Achillea Achillea is very attractive to pollinators, especially hoverflies. Campanulas Campanulas are known for their lovely bell-shaped flowers, in vivid shades of blue and purple. Cut them back to encourage more of the beautiful blooms. Echinacea Another hugely wildlife-friendly plant, you'll be encouraging plenty more blooms to grow by cutting echinaceas back. Penstemons With their large, tubular flowers, it goes without saying that penstemons are a hit with bumblebees. Heleniums In the right spot, heleniums will rapidly grow skyward and often require staking. Cut them back to control their flowering height. (fb)