Top tips for creating an amphibian paradise in your Highland garden

Making Space for Nature by Imogen Furlong

As January gives way to February, the first whispers of spring start to ripple through the natural world. You might hear the occasional birdsong or spot buds tentatively appearing, but for some of our most fascinating creatures – frogs, toads and newts – it’s a wake-up call.

These amphibians are beginning to emerge from their winter hibernation, ready to play their part in keeping our ecosystem balanced. They’re also brilliant little helpers in the garden!

Frogs, in particular, are amazing slug and snail hunters, so they’ll help keep your garden’s pest population under control naturally. Amphibians are incredibly sensitive to chemicals, so you’ll need to ditch the pesticides and slug pellets to get this service.

There are some other simple things you can do to make life easier for amphibians as they stir into action.

Make a splash with a mini pond

If you don’t have a pond, no problem! A mini pond is just as effective and easy to create. All you need is a leak-proof container like an old washing-up bowl, planter, or even a large saucer. Sink it into the ground in a quiet spot, leaving the rim slightly above the soil to keep out debris.

Fill your pond with rainwater (treated tap water often has chemicals that aren’t wildlife-friendly) and add a few rocks to create different depths. Amphibians need an easy way in and out, so slope one side with small stones or logs. That way, you’ll have a frog-friendly pool in no time!

Create a cosy amphibian retreat

Surround your pond with natural materials to make it even more inviting. Piles of rocks, logs, and leaves provide brilliant hideaways, keeping amphibians cool and sheltered during warmer days.

If you can, plant some native species like marsh marigolds or water forget-me-nots around the edges. Not only do they offer extra cover, but they also attract insects, a handy food source for your new garden guests.

Winter strategies: frogs at the bottom of the pond

Did you know some adult male common frogs spend their winters at the bottom of ponds, tucked away among leaves and mud?

It’s a risky move, especially in smaller ponds that can freeze over. Lack of oxygen can be fatal, so if you’re creating a pond you plan to leave in winter for hibernating frogs, aim for a depth of at least 60 cm (ideally 90 cm or more).

That said, you can also provide alternative hibernation spots with piles of dead wood, leaves, and rocks.

A little effort goes a long way

By taking these small steps now, you’ll not only help amphibians but also create a magical little haven in your garden. Come March, you might even witness the spectacular sight of frogs, toads and newts during their mating season, a natural performance worth every effort.

Want to learn more about these wonderful creatures? Join us online for Spring Emergence of Amphibians and Reptiles: What to Look Out For, a talk with Janet Ulman, SSAAR education officer. Janet will guide us through the fascinating lives of Highland amphibians and reptiles, their habitats, and how we can help them thrive.

The talk takes place on Thursday, February 13, at 7:30pm. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

Let’s give these little garden allies a warm welcome this spring!

• Imogen Furlong is countryside ranger manager for High Life Highland.

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