BRIAN the blackbird, so named by our gardeners is currently raising a brood in the beech hedge separating the vegetable garden from the main border. Other blackbirds are also becoming friendly, but the reality is the need for the parents to gather as quickly as possible, the food demanded by their young and our turning over the soil is exposing large numbers of worms.

To develop a garden that supports wildlife, I use an adapted version of the seven layers of woodland or copse: each layer adding shelter and/or food. You need at least one tree, either a British native species or perhaps a cultivar bred from them for the garden such as Hawthorn ‘Paul’s Scarlet’, Rowan ‘Joseph Rock’ or Crab Apple ‘John Downes’.

Each of these brings some of the benefits of a native whilst also exhibiting attractive characteristics such as colourful flowers or fruit. Under the tree are shrubs and I prefer deciduous shrubs that are not too dense. Viburnums are an ideal group, but space should be left for buddleia and if possible native privet. Climbing through the shrubs and trees should be the climbers. Honeysuckle is an obvious choice, but a rose will benefit wildlife as will clematis. On the floor of the garden, herbaceous plants fall into two different groups.

The first are woodland edge plants which grow on the perimeter of shrubs and trees. These plants grow happily in partial shade and include foxgloves, cranesbills, cowslip and selfheal. The second group are the spring-flowering plants, living under the trees and shrubs. They flower, set seed and become dormant before the full leaf-cover appears above them. These include Solomon’s seal, Wood anemone and Pulmonaria.

The ground layer is next, plants that creep along the floor, some such as ivy can be invasive but wild strawberries and sweet violets can be tolerated. Under the ground layer are the bulbs, usually the spring flowerers such as snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells. For those who have been counting there is one layer missing. This is the tall or forest tree that most gardens are not large enough to support but will be there in the street, park or neighbourhood.

When you select plants, chose those with single open flowers as these are easier for nectar and pollen-loving insects to access. Plants that produce fruit and seed will help feed birds and deciduous shrubs will provide leaf litter for beetles and worms.

In July, we spend some time looking at the wildlife; carder bees, mason bees and hummingbird moth have been observed. We are working with Bumblebee Conservation Trust to record types and numbers of bees and our visitors are using social media to share their insect finds.

As for Brian, we all hope he comes through the summer with a few broods successfully reared. However, our population of blackbirds means we are also visited by a sparrow hawk and such a visitor is a good indicator that we are gardening with nature.

Enjoy your gardening.