Though they are tiny, insects play a very important part in the world. They are a food source to many birds, mammals, bats, reptiles and amphibians and even humans; they pollinate many plants; they break down vegetation to return the nutrients to the ground; and so without them the world would be a very different and lesser place. 

There are over 4,000 species of beetles in the UK, they live in nearly all habitats and they come in many forms, sizes and colours. One of my favourite beetles is the green mint beetle – it has an amazing metallic green colour and it’s worth growing mint just to have them in the garden. Other ways to encourage a range of beetles into the garden is to not be too tidy and leave some leaf litter in the borders, create small wood piles, and probably the most important – don’t use chemicals. Some beetles and their larvae do eat plants, but predator beetles feed on them, so consider the garden as a community and play your part in providing a range of plants for these mini plant eaters. By helping these mini creatures, you’ll create a healthy and thriving place for the bigger creatures too, including you.