While we sleep, another world stirs – with just a little thought, your garden can be a haven for bats, moths, owls and hedgehogs through the night
As night falls and most of us head indoors, a hidden world of nocturnal wildlife begins to stir. From the silent flight of owls to the soft rustle of hedgehogs in the undergrowth, your garden can become a haven for wildlife long after the sun sets. Nocturnal visitors come in all shapes and sizes, including aerial and terrestrial species – from moths, bats and owls, to hedgehogs, foxes and badgers. There’s lots we can all do to support wildlife at night in our gardens and outdoor spaces … even while most of us are fast asleep.
Above and below
The UK is home to a fascinating range of nocturnal species. Aerial visitors include bats like the common pipistrelle – tiny and agile – which feasts on midges and mosquitos as they dart through the night air. Moths such as the elephant hawk-moth and the silver Y are attracted to night-scented plants and their visits are essential for pollination, complementing the work of bees by day. Tawny owls may be heard calling from nearby trees, their ‘twit’ and ‘twoo’ marking their presence as they hunt for voles and mice.
On the ground, you might spot hedgehogs emerging from their daytime shelters to snuffle through flowerbeds and undergrowth, foraging for worms, slugs and beetles.
Foxes often patrol gardens under cover of darkness, scavenging for food or hunting small prey. Earthworms, vital for soil health, also surface to feed on decaying plant matter at night. In warm months, bush crickets and field grasshoppers contribute a soft evening chorus. Each of these species plays its role in the nighttime ecosystem
Planting for the night garden
Helping wildlife at night could begin with creating a welcoming, undisturbed habitat and planting species that bloom or release scent at night: common plants like evening primrose, jasmine and honeysuckle all draw in the moths to your garden. White or pale flowers, such as moonflower or white campion, reflect moonlight and are more visible to insects and bats. Native hedgerow plants like hawthorn and dog rose provide berries and shelter. Herbs like thyme and lavender attract insects by day and linger into the evening. These are key to attracting moths and, in turn, bats.
© Ken Dolbear
Wildlife-friendly gardening
Fresh water is essential for all animals. Leave shallow bowls, clean and refilled regularly, and consider installing a small wildlife pond – even a container pond can make a difference. At night, garden lighting should be subtle and entirely switched off whenever possible. Always use motion-sensitive, low-level warm lights rather than bright floodlights. Artificial light at night (ALAN) can confuse insects, disrupt feeding, and increase predation risks for small creatures.
Avoid chemical pesticides and slug pellets, which harm hedgehogs and reduce insect populations vital to bats and birds. Let areas of your garden grow wild, perhaps create log piles and leave undisturbed corners to provide shelter for amphibians, insects and small mammals.
© Jonny Owen
Get closer to the action
To observe your garden’s nightlife, try setting up a wildlife trailcam – or even just use a torch with red film to avoid disturbing wildlife. Mount the camera on a tree, pole or wooden stake as close to the ground as possible to get a clear view of your nocturnal visitors. Aim at a clear area, free of wavering vegetation which might trigger it constantly. Reviewing the footage in the morning can become part of your daily ritual – revealing foxes, hedgehogs or even owls visiting while you sleep. This daily connection can foster a deeper appreciation of the natural world around you.
