Creating Space for Nature in a Growing Towns and Cities

In a fast-growing city like Bristol and a town like Portishead, it’s no secret that more new homes are going up—and with that, green space for local wildlife is slowly disappearing. Front gardens are being replaced with driveways, and smaller back gardens often lean towards paving and decking for low maintenance.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to give up your neat lawn or your relaxing patio to create a garden that welcomes nature. With a few simple choices, you can strike the perfect balance between tidy and thriving, creating a space that looks great and gives birds, bees, and butterflies a helping hand.

Why Does It Matter?

Local wildlife is under pressure. Hedgehogs, bees, and birds rely on gardens for food, water, and shelter. With more hard landscaping going in and fewer natural spaces around, your garden could make a real difference, even if it’s modest in size.

5 Easy Ways to Welcome Wildlife into Your Garden Without Losing Your Lawn

Add a Mini Wild Corner

You don’t need acres to make a difference. Choose one small patch—just a metre square is enough—and let it go a little wild. Leave the grass to grow longer, scatter some wildflower seeds, or create a simple log pile using prunings and twigs. This mini haven can quickly attract bees, butterflies, beetles, and even hedgehogs. It’s low-effort, natural, and a big win for biodiversity.

Swap Some Fence for Native Hedges

Instead of a solid wooden or concrete fence all the way around, consider replacing a section with native hedging. Plants like hawthorn, hazel, dogwood, and blackthorn don’t just soften the look of your garden—they offer birds shelter, nesting spots, and berries to feed on through autumn and winter. Bonus: hedges also absorb noise and pollution, making your space feel calmer and greener.

Plant for Pollinators

Pollinators are in trouble—but your garden can help. Bees and butterflies love plants like lavender, verbena, sedum, echinacea, and foxgloves. They’re beautiful, fragrant, and thrive in UK gardens with little fuss. Plant in groups of the same species to give pollinators a “landing strip” effect, and enjoy the added colour and movement in your outdoor space.

Add a Water Source

Every creature needs water. A bird bath, shallow bowl, or even an upcycled dish of water can give birds, bees, and hedgehogs a vital drink—especially in hot or dry spells. If you’ve got room, a small wildlife pond (no fish needed) can attract frogs, dragonflies, and other beneficial critters. Just make sure there’s a shallow edge or a ramp for easy access.

Keep the Lawn – But Cut Smart

Love a tidy lawn? You don’t have to go full meadow to help wildlife. Simply raise your mower blade and cut less often—every 2–3 weeks can be enough to let clover, daisies, and other pollinator-friendly plants bloom. Or, go a step further by leaving one edge or corner unmowed. In just a few weeks, you’ll see bees buzzing, butterflies flitting, and maybe even a visiting hedgehog on patrol.

Neat, Wildlife-Friendly – and Still “Your” Garden

The idea isn’t to give up the garden you love—it’s about adding little things that make a big difference. Portishead’s mix of coast and countryside means your garden is perfectly placed to become a mini nature hub.

Whether you’re in a new build with a compact garden or a family home with space to play, there’s always room to support local wildlife without losing the look and feel you want.

Want Help Creating a Wildlife-Friendly Garden?

At Nick White Landscaping, we specialise in gardens that work for you and the environment. Whether you want a wildflower corner, a pollinator-friendly border, or a clever layout that balances beauty with biodiversity, we can help.

Get in touch today for a free chat and let’s bring your garden to life—for you and nature. Based in Portishead – proudly serving Bristol, Clevedon, and the surrounding area.

Bristol and Portishead Gardens That Help Nature Thrive