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ARTICLE: MIKE DILGER

In your own back garden...

As a presenter on Nature's Top 40, BBC's the One Show, Inside Out and Wild Gardens, naturalist and TV presenter Mike Dilger has travelled all over the world and seen an array of wildlife, but he says you don't have to go further than your own back garden to experience the wonders of nature.

Gardens are very important wildlife habitats, even the smallest garden can provide the perfect spot for nesting, hibernating or just sheltering from the elements. Trees are woodlands, ponds are wetlands and garden edges are simple wildlife havens. Mike gives us his five top tips to attract wildlife to your garden:

1. Feed the birds

   Buy good quality bird food and feed birds throughout the year.

2. Bird boxes

   Put up bird boxes, about 2-3m up on a wall, fence or tree.

3. Nectar rich flowers

   Plant lots of nectar rich flowers such as Lavender in your garden, these will attract insects and birds.

4. A pond without fish

   A small pond (1.5 feet x 1.5 feet) will attract a number of wildlife including pond scatters, dragonflies, water boatman and frogs. They also serve as a drink for birds.

5. Leave a messy patch

   Tidy gardens may look nice but aren't the best places for wildlife. Un-mown grass, wildflowers and compost heaps are the perfect habitat for hedgehogs, fungi, beetles and mammals.

With a keen interest in wildlife from a very early age, Mike says he would have been involved in nature conservation even if he hadn't been fortunate enough to be a TV wildlife presenter. Having worked with organisations such as the Wildlife Trust and RSPB, Mike is an avid birder and of all the birds he has seen in the UK is still yet to see Quail and Spotted Drake.

If you would like to put your questions to Mike, he will be a guest at the Lee Valley Spring Wildlife Weekend on Saturday 16 May. Taking place at the WaterWorks Nature Reserve, Lea Bridge Road in Leyton the urban nature reserve is opening its doors for a free, fun filled weekend to get you out and enjoying some amazing wildlife.

For a fantastic cheap day out the two day event will be attended by some of the best known names in nature and wildlife. Joining Mike Dilger on Saturday 16 May is Steve Leonard, BBC TV Presenter and veterinary surgeon. Steve Backshall, presenter of The Really Wild Show will be joined by the 'Urban Birder' David Lindo on Sunday 17 May.

Mike Dilger says:

"This urban wildlife facility is an important conservation site which enables you to see and learn about great British wildlife."

Mike will be available for questions as he recounts some of the many diseases he has caught on his travels, and will be giving a talk entitled 'The Trials and Tribulations of A Natural History Presenter', explaining what goes on behind the scenes as he recounts some hilarious anecdotes about his wildlife experiences.

The weekend has something for everyone. As well as great talks and workshops, visitors can go on guided walks, go bug hunting, try their hand at willow weaving and much more. The event is open 10am - 4pm on both days.

For more information visit xxxxxxx

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