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. They are in desperate need of some good PR. Having spent the last four or five months diligently, but rather secretively, helping the gardener by eating caterpillars, aphids, flies and other insects, now is the time they start making a nuisance of themselves around

to this striking insect is also linked to an historical association with nearby Denmark Hill, only a mile or so from my house. Let me explain.Merodon was not known in Britain until the middle of the 19th century. The prominent entomologist George Verrall reported

Make a bee-lineGreat flowers start with pollination, and for that you need bees. Find out how to get the busiest garden insects to work for you.How to... make a bee hotelGardens are extremely important for bumblebees, and vice versa. Bees need

of ants scaled this giant, slicing through branches with their machines.I was quite upset but, ever the optimist, I used the opportunity to collect some local, native logs to make a nice wildlife habitat in my mum’s garden. I was sure she wouldn’t mind

warm rock or stone, to gain enough energy from the sun to hunt for insect food. Often, they will choose a particular spot, which they regularly return to. If you disturb a basking lizard, you can try sitting quietly in the same place to see

This week a new type of lawn was born. The flower-rich, low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly sward was launched at a park in Kensington and Chelsea, after its creator, Lionel Smith, wanted to explore alternatives to the traditional grass monoculture

-east.If your local wine store doesn't have any spare crates, buy some extra timber and make one instead.Attracting wildlife and insects to your gardenBuilding a bat boxConstructing a bird boxMaking a stag beetle bucketBrowse plants that are attractive

might flush out insect prey (they bob more in poor light), be a recognition signal to other wagtails nearby or to disguise them against the rippling and splashing background of the moving water that they regularly frequent.Who knows? My favourite though

in the morning. Examined carefully in the hand of nearly four-year-old, we discussed what could have happened to them, and what funeral arrangements might be appropriate.This is a vulnerable time for these popular and fascinating insects. Having spent several

It's cold, there's snow on the ground, and all is quiet in the garden. But I've just been outside feeding the wildlife. In my case that does not mean putting up nut-filled bird feeders or hanging fat balls, it means tipping the kitchen waste