Let your lawn grow, water for birds: how to help wildlife in your French garden
‘It is acceptable to have untidy hedgerows,’ says biodiversity spokesperson.
Simply keeping the ground undisturbed can significantly help boost the insect population
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Homeowners in France can welcome a diverse range of wildlife into their gardens by following seven key recommendations from the country’s biodiversity bodies, the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO) and the Office français de la biodiversité (OFB).
Stop feeding the birds. “It is time to gradually reduce the quantity of food, so that all feeding ceases after seven to ten days,” says the LPO. “The fats in seeds or fat balls are not suitable for future chicks, which require a diet composed solely of proteins.”
“The aim is to end dependence on a specific feeding spot, encouraging birds to forage for the food best suited to their biology.”
2. Do not trim hedges after March. “To avoid disturbing or dislodging birds during this crucial period in their life cycle, the Office français de la biodiversité recommends not trimming hedges or pruning trees from March 15 to July 31,” the OFB advises.
In some parts of France, trimming hedges from 15 March could result in a fine. Exact dates vary by region, so it is advised to check with your local mairie for specific rules.
3. Let the lawn grow long. Allowing a patch of tall grass and untrimmed plants can provide food sources and shelter for a variety of insects crucial to the garden ecosystem. These include bees, other insects, and small mammals such as hedgehogs.
4. Set up bug refuges. Bug hotels—containers filled with twigs, moss, and leaves—are an excellent way to attract beneficial insects to your garden, which is particularly useful for pollinating plants in spring.
However, the OFB notes that around 70% of bee species nest in the ground. Therefore, simply keeping the ground undisturbed can significantly help boost the insect population.
Aurélien Daloz at the OFB, also stresses the importance of water in the garden.
“A pond will soon attract birds, insects that reproduce in water, and amphibians,” he told France 3. “In summer, animals can come and drink. Any water feature in a garden is worthwhile.”
5. Grow companion plants. Rather than resorting to pesticides, planting ‘companion species’ alongside your plants may provide an alternative.
Though the effectiveness of this method is still debated, popular wisdom suggests that radishes draw pests away from other plants, and tomatoes benefit from being planted near roses.
6. Turn off lights at night. “All artificial light sources are harmful,” says Mr Daloz, who recommends ensuring that lights are either switched off or directed towards the ground to reduce light pollution.
This is to prevent disrupting the natural cycles of nocturnal creatures such as bats and moths.
7. Clear brush. While hedges provide important shelter for wildlife, overgrown brush, brambles, and weeds can reduce plant variety and become a fire risk during the summer months.
In many parts of France, there are also legal obligations to clear garden undergrowth (obligations légales de débroussaillement).
These laws require homeowners or tenants to maintain gardens, roads, and areas of land near buildings in order to prevent the accumulation of flammable plant material, thus reducing the risk of damage from forest fires.
