Centipedes are long, many-segmented invertebrates that live in the soil, under rocks, in compost heaps, or under the bark of trees, emerging at night to catch their prey. Centipedes and millipedes need a moist microhabitat. No wonder they are very effective as population control for snails, spiders and any soft-bodied insects such as grubs and earthworms.

Excellent herbivorous shredders, millipedes are some of nature’s best recyclers. Specifically, they are detritivores, eating all kinds of debris, and pooping out the minerals from leaf litter, grass clippings, food scraps, finished crops and dead animals. It all helps in promoting the soil's health!

Beetles are the most numerous organism on the planet, representing 40% of all insects. They play a pivotal role in the earth system by breaking down organic matter. Since the 1970's, insects have declined by over 40% - we cannot afford to lose them.

Slugs and snails are very important. They provide food for all sorts of mammals, birds, slow worms, earthworms, and insects. If we upset that balance by removing them or spreading slug pellets, we can indirectly harm other wildlife.

Butterflies and moths are indicators of a healthy environment and healthy ecosystems. They indicate the presence of a wide range of other invertebrates, which comprise over two-thirds of all species. 

The lowly worm is essential to life. It spends its life beneath our feet – it turns the soil, allowing the soil to breathe by recycling and enriching it with nutrients. Worms are the gardener’s best friend and are essential food for other wildlife.

Spiders help us naturally control abundance of other insects which we might call pests. By eating other insects, spiders also help reduce the spread of diseases that insects carry.

The "Bee Big 7" are the most common bumblebees in the UK. They are: Red-tailed (Bombus lapidarius), Early (Bombus pratorum), Common carder (Bombus pascuorum), White-tailed (Bombus lucorum), Buff-tailed (Bombus terrestris), Garden (Bombus hortorum), and Tree (Bombus hypnorum).

These hardy minibeasts can be found sheltering under rocks in the garden or hiding in compost heaps, where they avoid drying out in hot weather. Common woodlice are important for their ability to feed off dead plants and creatures, recycling vital nutrients. There are 30 species of woodlouse in the UK in an array of colours from brown and grey to pink!

Coming in at number one, the most common sighted invertebrate - is the slug! Slugs and snails are very important. They provide food for all sorts of mammals, birds, slow worms, earthworms, insects and they are part of the natural balance. Upset that balance by removing them and we can do a lot of harm.