Rearranging your garden could be the key to protecting your autumn plants from foxes passing through your green space. Garden experts at Vonhaus say trying to keep wild animals out entirely is often difficult and not really necessary.
Creating a clear route
Laura Bradbury, head of e-commerce at Vonhaus, said: "Trying to completely block foxes from a garden is not always practical, particularly if they regularly use it as a route between neighbouring spaces."
Instead, homeowners should focus on removing the things most likely to encourage foxes to stop, dig or create mess. Rather than sealing every fence gap, leaving a clear route around the edge of the garden may encourage foxes to pass through without disturbing lawns, flower beds or seating areas.
Protecting new plants
Lightweight accessories, cushions and toys should be stored away overnight so they cannot be moved or damaged. For fresh soil, Ms Bradbury suggests adding a temporary physical boundary while the garden grows.
She said: "Newly planted beds and loose soil can also attract digging, so temporary mesh or low barriers can help protect these areas while plants become established."
Legal protections for foxes
Garden owners should also keep bins and compost containers securely closed, clear away food after barbecues or outdoor dining, and avoid leaving pet food outside overnight.
Dr Rebecca Machin, wildlife expert with the RSPCA, said: "Foxes are wild animals who are protected by law and it is illegal to cause them unnecessary suffering."
She added: "Foxes are protected by the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996, and if in captivity, by the Animal Welfare Act 2006." Under these laws, you cannot cruelly mistreat or remove a fox from your garden by harming it, use pesticide poisoning or fox hunting, use any deterrent that is not approved for use to deter foxes, or block or interfere with a fox den that is in use.
