As we move into the new year, you may be making plans for 2009 and considering what to do with your garden. How about making it more inviting for wildlife?

Here at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust we run a free wildlife information service called WildLine and, as part of this service, have produced a series of Gardening for Wildlife leaflets that are available on our website hwt.org.uk.

The WildLine service has been running since 2005 and deals with all sorts of enquiries. The most frequent questions we receive ask to how make a garden more wildlife-friendly and here are some examples:

HOW CAN I ATTRACT A RANGE OF WILDLIFE INTO MY SMALL GARDEN?

■ Small gardens can still be a rich haven for wildlife. Use containers, tubs or window boxes to plant nectar-rich wildflowers and herbs to attract insects. Make the most of bare walls and fences by growing climbers such as honeysuckle, clematis or ivy. Install a bird feeder to encourage birds to use your garden or a wildlife pond – even small ponds can attract frogs, toads and other water-loving creatures.

WHAT CAN I DO TO ATTRACT BIRDS INTO MY GARDEN?

■ Birds have four main requirements – food, water, shelter and nest sites. A natural food supply can be provided by choosing plants that produce berries or seeds.

Supplementary food is available at garden centres and pet shops and putting out food for birds is particularly worthwhile in winter and early spring. If possible, use a variety of bird feeders or a bird table but also scatter food on the ground as different birds have different feeding requirements.

If you have a pond with a gently sloping side this will provide water for drinking and bathing or you could install a bird bath or simply use a shallow-sided container.

HOW CAN I ENCOURAGE BUTTERFLIES, BEES AND OTHER INSECTS?

■ You can attract many insects by including plants with nectar-rich flowers. Flowers should be planted in a sheltered, sunny position. Try to include plants that flower at different times throughout the year and try to include plants that provide evening nectar for moths and other insects that feed at night.

I WOULD LIKE TO PUT A WILDLIFE POND IN MY GARDEN – DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE ON GETTING STARTED?

■ Before you start digging, find a site that will allow your pond to get plenty of sunlight.

Ensure at least one side of your pond has a long, gentle slope to allow wildlife to the water’s edge.

Pond liners vary in price and strength, but good quality butyl liners can last up to 50 years and are flexible and easy to install.

Always avoid doing any work on your pond during the spring when native amphibians will be breeding.