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University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna

Birds, insects and plants form a perfectly harmonised community if they are allowed to grow and live as nature intended. Every animal and every plant fulfils a task and has its own preferences. However, many bird and insect species lack habitats and sufficient food these days.

By choosing the right plants and designing our own garden, we can create a small refuge for birds and insects and thus contribute to species conservation and promote biodiversity .

Flower bed, rock garden
Photo: Shutterstock

A bed of native plants is optimally adapted to local conditions.

Native plants

Native trees, shrubs and flowers are adapted to local conditions and provide habitat and food for native animals.

  • Flowering plants for insects: Lavender, cornflowers, daisies, bluebells, coneflowers
  • Berry bushes for birds: elderberry, rowanberry, sloe, rosehip, hawthorn

Plants that flower at different times of the year are ideal. This means that food is available all year round.

Plant diversity and "wild corners"

Different habitats such as hedges, shrubs, flower beds, dead wood, dry stone walls or a wildflower meadow provide nesting sites, protection and food for a wide variety of creatures.

No chemicals

Pesticides and herbicides harm insects and destroy the food chain for birds, while natural fertilisers such as compost promote soil quality and protect wildlife.

Insect hotel
Photo: Michael Bernkopf/Vetmeduni

Insect hotels are easy to make yourself and provide ideal shelter.

Nesting and shelter options

  • Insect hotels: Wild bees, ladybirds and other insects find shelter in them.
  • Nesting boxes for birds: Nesting boxes in various sizes attract different bird species such as tits, sparrows and starlings.
  • Dead wood, piles of stones and leaves, dry stone walls: These provide a habitat for beetles, spiders and other insects and serve as a food source for birds.

Year-round support

  • Spring and summer: Flowering plants and watering holes for birds and insects. Shallow water containers filled with stones or gravel so that birds and insects can drink without drowning (please clean regularly for hygiene reasons).
  • Autumn: Leave the leaves lying around and use berry bushes such as early bloomers to provide food for the cold season.
  • Winter: Set up feeding stations to support birds when natural food becomes scarce. Nesting boxes provide good shelter in winter.

No unnecessary light sources and no permanent lighting

Artificial lighting disturbs nocturnal insects and irritates birds. Please only use shielded light sources where necessary and only illuminate specific areas for short periods of time.

Raise awareness

Inform yourself about the importance of insects and birds for the ecosystem and encourage other people to create natural habitats in their gardens.

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