| Every animal featured in this series — from the smallest shrew to the larger mammals and birds — can be found in British gardens. Not always in daylight. Not always every day. And often without us ever knowing they were there at all. Gardens are not separate from the wild. They are part of it. Lawns, hedges, compost heaps, ponds, sheds, and boundary lines form a patchwork of shelter and movement that many species quietly rely on. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing a series exploring the quiet lives of wildlife that pass through, live within, or border our gardens across the UK. Each post focuses on one animal — how it lives, what signs it leaves behind, and how everyday garden spaces unintentionally support its survival. This is not about encouraging or discouraging wildlife. It’s about understanding presence. When we recognise that gardens are shared landscapes, we begin to garden with more care, patience, and awareness — and the garden becomes richer for it. |
Unless stated, featured images are my own work, created independently or with the assistance of AI.
“This series was developed through a collaborative writing process involving human authorship and AI-assisted drafting. All views expressed are those of Earthly Comforts.”
Earthly Comforts 