'Wildlife wineries' are the breakout trend gardeners are using to keep garden birds hydrated in August – this £15 shortcut means even tiny spaces can join in
Providing water is one of the most important things you can do to help birds this summer
From hydration stations, bird bars and even wildlife wineries, there are plenty of cutesy names to call the bird baths we set up for wildlife to bathe, drink and play in during summer. However, if you have a tiny garden or balcony, it might feel like you can’t join in.
Luckily, I’m here to tell you the opposite. Corner bird baths are the space-saving solution that means even the smallest of outdoor spaces can attract birds via their own wildlife wineries (or whatever your preferred name is!).
Silly names aside, during periods of hot weather and drought, it’s incredibly important to leave water out for birds and other wildlife to help them stay healthy and hydrated. Here’s why a corner bird bath can be a great option if you’re short on space.
Just because you have a small garden, it doesn’t mean you can’t embrace wildlife garden ideas. Leaving out water is essential during summer for birds, bees, insects and other wildlife - especially when there hasn’t been much rainfall.
This summer, wildlife charities, experts and social media have been encouraging gardeners to set up hydration stations for birds and other wildlife during a heatwave. And with it, I've seen a host of adorable names, such as pollinator pitstops, bee bars and now wildlife wineries. While they all mean the same thing, they aim to encourage us to help wildlife by providing fresh water.
If you want to support birds in hot weather, offering a fresh water supply can be a real help when supplies are scarce in nature. You will need to change the water every couple of days to keep it fresh and free from algae and mosquitoes, but your local birds will really benefit from having somewhere to wash, bathe and space.
It's important to provide water during summer so birds can clean themselves, play and drink.
If you lack the space for a free-standing bird bath, a corner bath can come in handy. As the name suggests, a corner bird bath attaches to a fence post or corner, taking up minimal space in your garden
Then, you can fill it with either water or bird food to create an integrated feeding station or bird bath. One of the biggest mistakes you can make when leaving water out for wildlife is assuming you need a large vessel. Even a small dish of water can make a big difference for wildlife. Just remember, if you want bees to also enjoy your wildlife winery, add some pebbles to your dish so they have somewhere to land and prevent drowning.
Alternatively, a micro pond can be a great choice for courtyards and patios as you can create a stunning water feature that wildlife will love.
Small wildlife garden essentials
This standing bird bath stakes into your lawn easily. Combining a bath and feeder makes it small garden-friendly.
This patio pond comes with three stunning aquatic plants, and will create a beautiful feature in your garden.
All wildlife-friendly gardens have native wildflowers to attract and feed pollinators.
Just because you have a small garden, it doesn't mean you can't make into a haven for wildlife.
