It doesn't matter what size of garden you have, it's what you do with it.

It's a myth that wildlife in your garden will move into your home, if they have shelter, food and habitats of their own they will happily stay away but provide you with moments of joy.

Just a simple choice of having untreated ground vegetation will attract small mammals like mice and voles which in turn will attract large mammals like foxes who feed on small mammals.

Foxes get a mixed reception in the cities, they are often welcomed with the usual amazement at seeing a wild animal, but if you don't like them in your garden take advice from animal welfare organisations on how to deter them.

If you live on the urban/rural boundary then expect Roe deer to move through your garden.

Most animals are transitional and will spend little time in your garden but an untreated lawn is a big attraction providing juicy worms, grubs and beetles for most species especially badgers and hedgehogs.

Badgers and bats, and their homes, are heavily protected by law so they must not be injured, removed or killed. If you do find an injured animal, do not touch it and if you don't want them then you must contact your local badger group –Scottish Badgers www.scottishbadgers. org.uk and Bat Conservation Trust www.bats.org.uk for advice.

Some animals are nocturnal which means they are particularly active at night, however, some may venture out in daylight because they are ill or injured.

First and foremost is your safety, so never try to pick an animal up.

Make sure that it can come to no harm and as wildlife is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) it's important that you contact any of the following organisations for advice and assistance including the Countryside Ranger Service, Pollok Country Park 0141 276 0924, Hessilhead Wildlife Centre 01505 502415, SSPCA 03000 999 999 and Scottish Natural Heritage 0141 951 4488.