Gardeners are being urged to leave a pile of "sticks, rocks and leaves" in their gardens in March as part of a money-saving hack. Given that the weather in March is still so changeable, with rain turning to sun within minutes, creating the pile could help provide shelter and protect the wildlife from the cold and wet conditions.

Instead of forking out for a bug hotel, a manmade box to attract wildlife, this free hack could work just as effectively. However it is not quite a simple as throwing them on the ground - gardeners are being encouraged build the pile of sticks, rocks or leaves into a wildlife shelter, where insects can seek safety. After building up the pile, you could also try to fill any gaps with pebbles, moss or pine needles, and place it in a corner where insects might like to hide. 

To encourage birds into your garden, it may be even simpler. Instead of tidying up every last leaf or dead plant, gardeners are being advised to leave the dead plant matter on the ground. 

As well as saving a job, this natural material can become a habitat for insects like beetles, moths, and spiders, which in turn become food for birds, turning your garden into a thriving ecosystem.

If there is room, gardeners are also being recommended to build a small pond to help attract more amphibians like frogs or toads.

To build a pond, you need to install a liner after digging up the area, add rocks and gravel to prepare the base, and plant aquatic plants to attract the wildlife. 

It is also recommended to choose a spot that isn't in direct sunlight all day, away from trees that could drop leaves or branches.

Flowerland Living, a gardening website, wrote: "March is a wonderful time to start supporting wildlife in your garden, and even small changes can make a big difference.

"By planting early-flowering flowers, providing food and water for birds, creating habitats for beneficial insects, and using sustainable practices, you can create a garden that’s not only beautiful but also a sanctuary for the essential wildlife that sustains our environment."