Animal Instincts

Whispers in the Wild Garden

Step into a world where every rustle of leaves and soft chirr of dawn heralds a hidden drama beneath your garden fence. In Animal Instincts, Alan Titchmarsh combines his unparalleled horticultural expertise with a deep respect for the creatures that share our outdoor spaces. From the secretive habits of hedgehogs weaving through borders to the acrobatic dances of blue tits at the bird table, Titchmarsh invites you to observe, understand, and nurture the rich tapestry of life on your doorstep. His vivid storytelling brings each furred and feathered protagonist into sharp focus, revealing the remarkable strategies they employ to feed, shelter, and raise their young in environments both wild and cultivated.

Designing Habitats of Harmony

More than a mere field guide, this book offers a practical blueprint for gardeners eager to foster biodiversity. Titchmarsh outlines simple yet ingenious modifications—from carving grooves in logs to retain moisture for amphibians, to planting native hedgerow species that provide nectar and nesting sites year-round. Through detailed illustrations and usable planting plans, you’ll learn how to transform lawns into wildlife corridors, create pond refuges for dragonflies, and install living walls that become vibrant highways for pollinators. Each chapter concludes with a “Wildlife Workshop” section, equipping you with seasonal to-do’s that ensure your garden remains a thriving refuge through frost, heatwaves, and the quiet lull of winter.

Stories of Survival and Renewal

Interwoven with these practical guides are heartwarming anecdotes gathered over decades of field observation. Meet the fox family that adopted a discarded bird feeder, the swarm of frogs that turned an old watering can into a maternity ward, and the industrious woodpecker whose drumming heralds the arrival of spring. Titchmarsh’s warm, conversational tone makes you feel as if you’re walking beside him, binoculars in hand, eager to witness nature’s next wonder. His passion for conservation shines through, urging readers to consider not only the beauty of their gardens but also their responsibility as stewards of the natural world.

. Alan Titchmarsh – beloved British gardener, broadcaster, and bestselling author born in 1949, renowned for his insightful guidance on creating Gardens of Eden and championing wildlife conservation through his celebrated television and literary work.