Wildlife of Brittany: Animals and Plants We Plan to Welcome into Our Homestead

As we prepare for our move to Brittany, one of the aspects we’re most excited about is the rich wildlife that the region has to offer. Brittany is home to a wide variety of species, from birds and mammals to amphibians and insects, all of which play a crucial role in maintaining the local ecosystem. We’re particularly focused on creating a homestead that not only supports us but also welcomes and nurtures Brittany’s native wildlife.

In this article, we’ll introduce some of the key species we hope to attract to our land, along with the habitats we’re designing to help them thrive.

Birds of Brittany: Welcoming Feathered Friends

Brittany is home to many bird species, ranging from common garden birds to more elusive species that inhabit the countryside and coastline. By incorporating bird-friendly features into our garden, we hope to provide a sanctuary for a variety of species.

European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)

The European robin is one of the most iconic birds in Brittany and a frequent visitor to gardens. Known for its orange-red breast and curious nature, robins are often spotted hopping around, searching for insects and worms.

We plan to attract robins to our homestead by providing:

• Dense Shrubs and Hedges: Robins love to nest in dense, sheltered areas, so we’re planting native hedges like hawthorn and holly to give them plenty of safe nesting sites.
• Bird Tables and Feeders: Robins are ground feeders, but they also enjoy eating from bird tables where seeds, fruit, and mealworms are readily available.

Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

Barn owls are beautiful, ghostly birds known for their silent flight and heart-shaped faces. They are common in rural Brittany, where they hunt for small mammals like mice and voles in open fields.

We plan to support barn owls by:

• Installing Nest Boxes: Barn owls need safe, secluded places to nest, and installing specially designed owl boxes will encourage them to take up residence on our land.
• Maintaining Open Spaces: By keeping part of our land as open fields or meadows, we’ll create the perfect hunting grounds for these nocturnal predators.

Great Tit (Parus major)

The great tit is a brightly coloured, bold bird often seen in gardens across Europe. These birds are known for their distinctive black head and yellow breast, and they love to visit bird feeders.

To attract great tits, we’ll:

• Plant Native Trees and Shrubs: Great tits forage in trees, so we’re planning to plant native species like oak and beech to provide them with natural food sources.
• Add Bird Feeders: By placing seed and suet feeders around the garden, we’ll encourage great tits and other small birds to visit regularly.

Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)

The goldfinch is one of the most beautiful birds found in Brittany, easily recognizable by its striking red face, black-and-white head, and yellow wing patches. These small birds are often seen feeding on seeds, particularly from thistles and teasels.

To welcome goldfinches to our homestead, we’ll:

• Grow Seed-Rich Plants: Goldfinches love seed heads from plants like dandelions, teasels, and sunflowers. By growing these plants, we’ll provide a natural food source.
• Hang Nyjer Seed Feeders: These small feeders filled with nyjer seed are perfect for attracting finches, as this is one of their favourite foods.

Mammals: Providing Shelter for Small Creatures

Brittany’s countryside is home to a variety of small mammals, many of which are crucial for pest control and maintaining the ecological balance. We’re excited to create a space that’s welcoming to these important creatures.

Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)

Hedgehogs are one of Brittany’s most beloved small mammals, known for their spiky coats and ability to curl up into a ball for protection. Unfortunately, hedgehogs have been declining in recent years due to habitat loss, so we’re eager to create a garden that’s safe and attractive for them.

To welcome hedgehogs, we’ll:

• Create Hedgehog Highways: Simple gaps in fences will allow hedgehogs to move freely between gardens, which is vital for their survival.
• Provide Shelter: We’ll create log piles and leaf litter areas where hedgehogs can find shelter, hibernate, and hunt for insects.
• Avoid Chemicals: Since hedgehogs feed on slugs and other garden pests, we’ll avoid using harmful pesticides that could negatively affect them.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

The red fox is a common sight in Brittany’s rural areas, where they often roam the countryside in search of food. While foxes are often considered pests in urban areas, in rural settings, they play a key role in controlling populations of small mammals and insects.

To encourage foxes on our land, we’ll:

• Leave Wild Areas: Maintaining areas of our land as wild, untended spaces will give foxes natural cover for hunting and raising their young.
• Limit Disturbance: Foxes tend to be shy creatures, so we’ll make sure to give them space by avoiding heavily trafficked areas of our land near their habitats.

Bats (Chiroptera)

Bats are vital for pest control, particularly for keeping insect populations in check, as they feed on mosquitoes, moths, and other flying insects. Brittany is home to several species of bats, many of which thrive in rural environments with plenty of places to roost.

To encourage bats to make our homestead their home, we’re planning to:

• Install Bat Boxes: Bat boxes are simple structures where bats can roost during the day and safely raise their young.
• Maintain Natural Shelters: We’ll ensure that there are plenty of trees and old buildings where bats can naturally roost.
• Limit Light Pollution: Bats are sensitive to light, so we’ll keep nighttime lighting to a minimum to avoid disturbing them.

By creating bat-friendly habitats, we’ll benefit from their natural pest control services and contribute to the conservation of these important species.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Creating a Wetland Haven

Brittany’s temperate climate and numerous water sources make it an ideal habitat for a variety of amphibians and reptiles. We plan to include a small pond and other water features to attract these creatures to our garden.

Common Frog (Rana temporaria)

The common frog is one of Brittany’s native amphibians, often found near ponds and slow-moving water. Frogs are excellent for pest control, as they feed on insects, slugs, and snails that can damage crops.

We plan to support frogs by:

• Building a Pond: A pond with shallow edges and native aquatic plants will provide frogs with a perfect breeding ground and a place to hunt for insects.
• Creating Damp, Sheltered Areas: Frogs need moist, shaded spots to rest during the day, so we’ll create areas with leaf litter, logs, and stones to give them shelter.

Viviparous Lizard (Zootoca vivipara)

The viviparous lizard, also known as the common lizard, is found throughout Brittany, especially in sunny, open areas. These small reptiles are helpful in controlling insect populations.

To attract lizards, we’ll:

• Provide Sunny Basking Spots: Lizards love to sun themselves on warm rocks, so we’ll place flat stones in sunny parts of the garden.
• Leave Log and Rock Piles: These provide excellent shelter and hunting grounds for lizards, offering a place for them to hide from predators and seek out insects.

Insects: Supporting Pollinators and Beneficial Species

Insects are some of the most important wildlife to welcome into any garden, as they play a crucial role in pollination and controlling pests. We’re especially focused on attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to ensure our garden thrives.

Honeybee (Apis mellifera)

Honeybees are essential pollinators for many of the plants we plan to grow, from fruit trees to flowers. By creating a pollinator-friendly garden, we’ll not only support the bees but also improve the overall health of our garden.

To attract bees, we’ll:

• Plant Pollinator-Friendly Flowers: Lavender, thyme, and other native wildflowers will provide bees with a rich source of nectar and pollen throughout the year.
• Install Bee Hotels: Solitary bees, which don’t live in hives, need safe places to nest. We’re planning to build bee hotels with bamboo tubes where these bees can lay their eggs.

Butterflies and Moths

Butterflies and moths are not only beautiful, but they’re also key pollinators that help ensure the health of our garden. Brittany is home to many species, including the painted lady and the red admiral.

We’ll attract butterflies by:

• Growing Nectar-Rich Plants: Plants like buddleia, wild marjoram, and honeysuckle are magnets for butterflies and moths.
• Leaving Wildflower Areas: By allowing part of our garden to remain wild, we’ll create a haven for butterflies to feed and lay their eggs.

Native Wild Plants of Brittany: Supporting Conservation and Wildlife

Brittany is home to a wide range of native wild plants, some of which are endangered or even endemic to the region. These plants are vital for supporting local wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as providing habitats and food for birds and small mammals.

By introducing native plants into our garden, we aim to contribute to their conservation while creating a space that fosters biodiversity.

Heather (Calluna vulgaris)

Heather is a characteristic plant of Brittany’s moorlands, with its striking purple flowers that bloom from late summer to autumn. It thrives in acidic, well-drained soils, and plays a crucial role in providing food and shelter for various wildlife species, including bees, butterflies, and birds.

• Supporting Wildlife: Heather is a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies, and it provides excellent cover for small birds and mammals.
• Conservation: While not endangered, heather is important for maintaining the balance of Brittany’s moorlands, and it’s essential to preserve areas where it thrives.

We plan to incorporate heather into our garden, particularly in areas with well-drained soil, to support local pollinators and add a splash of colour to the landscape.

Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima)

Sea thrift is a hardy, low-growing perennial found along Brittany’s rugged coastline. Its pink or purple flowers are a favourite of pollinators, and it’s well-adapted to thrive in harsh, salty environments.

• Supporting Wildlife: Sea thrift’s nectar-rich flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
• Conservation: Coastal development and climate change have put pressure on this species’ natural habitat, making it important to incorporate into gardens for conservation.

By planting sea thrift, we hope to support pollinators and preserve a plant that symbolizes Brittany’s coastal beauty.

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

Hawthorn is a native tree found throughout Brittany, known for its beautiful white flowers in spring and red berries in autumn. It provides food for birds and small mammals, and its dense branches are perfect for nesting birds.

• Supporting Wildlife: The berries are a key food source for birds like thrushes and blackbirds, and the flowers attract a wide range of pollinators.
• Conservation: As a native tree, hawthorn plays a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems, making it a valuable addition to any garden focused on wildlife conservation.

We’ll be planting hawthorn in our hedgerows to provide food and shelter for birds, as well as support biodiversity in our garden.

Endangered and Rare Plants: Supporting Brittany’s Native Flora

Some plant species in Brittany are endangered or rare due to habitat loss, overgrazing, or climate change. By introducing these plants into our garden, we can contribute to their conservation and help support local wildlife.

• Dwarf Gorse (Ulex minor): This smaller, low-growing variety of gorse is native to Brittany’s heathlands. Its bright yellow flowers bloom in summer, providing nectar for bees and butterflies. Due to habitat loss, it is becoming less common in the wild.
• Spotted Rockrose (Tuberaria guttata): This small, delicate flower, with its yellow petals and distinctive red spots, is native to rocky areas and heathlands in Brittany. It is considered endangered due to habitat destruction and changes in land use.

Both of these species are perfect for creating a wildflower meadow or adding to rocky, well-drained areas of the garden. They’ll not only enhance the beauty of our land but also provide vital habitats for pollinators and other wildlife.

Conclusion: Creating a Wildlife-Friendly Homestead

As we plan our homestead in Brittany, we’re excited to create a space that welcomes and nurtures the region’s incredible wildlife. From hedgehogs and barn owls to frogs and bees, each species plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy, balanced ecosystem.

By providing food, water, shelter, and safe spaces for these animals to live and breed, we’ll not only enhance the beauty of our land but also contribute to the preservation of Brittany’s natural biodiversity. We can’t wait to share more about our progress as we continue designing a homestead that supports both nature and our self-sufficient lifestyle.