Win one of 5 copies of the RHS Companion to Wildlife Gardening by Chris Baines!

This month you could be in with a chance of winning one of 5 copies of the RHS Companion to Wildlife Gardening by Chris Baines, published by Frances Lincoln (£25).

Wildlife has become a mainstream issue for gardeners and the public since this best-selling book was first published as How to Make a Wildlife Garden, and launched at the 1985 Chelsea Flower Show. Fully revised and updated by the author, this beautiful new edition is freshly illustrated and it highlights the changes in garden wildlife over the past 30 years.

It incorporates RHS research, updates best practice and addresses a multitude of controversial conservation issues. The book is packed full of practical advice – which plants to choose for bees, birds and butterflies, how to construct the ideal wildlife pond, where to position nesting boxes; how to enjoy wildlife in any size of outdoor space. Good gardening is at the heart of this book, but it is also a celebration of the rich variety of wild plants and animals that can bring a beautiful garden to life.

Gardeners have come to play an increasingly important role in nature conservation. The gardens of any town or village combine to create a rich and diverse network of wildlife habitats. The lawns and hedges, flower borders, shrubberies, vegetable patches and fruit trees are all important, and the author shows how wildlife gardening can make a stylish and enjoyable contribution to the environment. New gardeners will be inspired by this authoritative book and it will also delight the very many owners of the best-selling original.

Chris Baines is the UK’s foremost wildlife gardening expert. He has had a multifaceted career as a landscape architect, advisor to industry and government, teacher, writer and broadcaster, but the common theme that runs through all his work is concern for wildlife. He is National Vice President of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, winner of the RSPB conservation medal and a passionate campaigner for easy access to nature.

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening. Its RHS gardens are an inspiration to many and its charitable work provides expert advice and information, trains the next generation of gardeners, creates hands-on opportunities for children to grow plants, and conducts research into issues that affect gardeners.

“An essential read for anyone interested in preserving wildlife while creating a truly beautiful green space.” – Mail on Sunday

Praise for the first edition:

“Baines’ 1985 classic discusses habitat destruction and explains why we need to encourage wildlife to our gardens. It’s still relevant today. Baines explains how to feed and study wildlife, and create mini versions of lost habitats.” – BBC Wildlife

“A great book by Britain’s premier wildlife champion” – Daily Telegraph

“Since its first publication in 1985, this book has established itself as the most authoritative book on wildlife”