With the days starting to shorten and just a few more weeks of warm summer weather to go, now is the time to make the most of your garden, whether brand new or well established, with minimum outlay and maximum benefit to wildlife.

Nature is at the heart of every Barratt and David Wilson Homes scheme, as the developers work in partnership with the RSPB and other organisations to re-establish declining wildlife in both urban and rural areas.

To make the most of your garden, for you, your family and for local wildlife, why not try these tips?

Bring on the bees and butterflies

Herbs, like lavender, marjoram and thyme are a fragrant and colourful attraction for butterflies and bees, as well as being relatively cheap to purchase. These bee-friendly plants will ensure a plentiful supply of pollen and nectar for your garden visitors, and help boost their declining numbers.

Plan for pond life

Even a small pond or other water feature can be key to encouraging those essential pollinators like birds and dragonflies, plus other small wildlife like frogs into your garden. A birdbath is another, easier option, choose one that is broad and shallow for the birds to feel most comfortable while having a wash and brush-up.

Collect cuttings and transplant seeds

Collect cuttings and seeds whenever and wherever you can, from willing friends and family and also from plants that have already flowered in your garden this year. Plant up in beds, in pots and up walls and make sure to water every day, especially in the early days of sprouting. Avoid using pesticides wherever possible to protect wildlife.

The RSPB's Elegance Bug Hotel in a typical show home garden

Deadhead for growth

Removing wilted flowers is not just an aesthetic task, but one that will also promote the growth of new shoots and buds. Some summer shrubs, including varieties of rose, may bloom a second time, providing more pollen for wildlife, if given half a chance through deadheading. But at the end of the season, leave the seedheads standing – they will look great through winter and will offer seeds just when birds need them.

Hedge your bets

Delay hedge cutting until September to ensure that any nesting birds have flown. Conifers are especially attractive havens for birds, including blackbirds, robins and greenfinches, so consider planting these hardy evergreens if you are thinking of creating a hedge border.

Jason Hearn, sales director at David Wilson Homes East Midlands, said: "Summer is the perfect time to nurture your garden and make it a haven for wildlife.

"Working with the RSPB and other wildlife organisations has allowed us to give our customers ways to encourage wildlife around their new homes and do their bit for British nature."

Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes has a range of developments across the area including Highfields, in Littleover; Drakelow Park, near Burton; Nursery Fields, in Measham, and in September David Wilson Homes will launch a collection of homes at its Shepherd's Rest development, in Burton.

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