[DebsyD]

Cheers 'guys' , it's really interesting to get your opinions on this, I feel reborn finding some like-minded people who love wildlife and gardening. I'm sorry Paul wasn't impressed with my questions, I know some terminology is open to interpretation but then I could have been more exact and scientific about it all and it been a lot longer without the broad response. It's opinion I'm after rather than facts as I've researched that in other ways.

I too have two kids and a dog,... a cat, rabbit, guinea pigs etc etc.. oh and a husband... and believe gardens are to be lived in, enjoyed and shared by all. We get so much out of the wildlife that visit our garden and particularly our now 9yr old pond. The neglect the garden has had while I've been studying (hubby is a London commuter and not yet a gardener, though I keep trying) has only improved the wildlife population, they're everywhere!! Kids still love a late evening with a bucket and torches collecting frogs to have a closer look at and then let go again. Unfortunately our 2yr old flatcoated retriever Jasper also still enjoys the odd plunge in the pond! My son is particularly keen on birds (including the feathered type!) and my daughter is mad on all creatures, worms, snails, allsorts included, which is great.

(As an aside... In answer to Nick.. I do have to admit to having a 4x4, which has been invaluable as we live in the South Downs and don't do much town and city driving, its also great for the dog, plants and building materials. Surely though it's not just what you drive but how much and how you drive that matters? It does get used but not very much as I'm home based and most things are walkable for us, including school and the train station. College is a cross country trek.)

Keep the thoughts/opinions and ideas coming in.. must get back to college work and a design I'm doing....

Deb :-)