The hidden world of the Stinging Nettle

Many people have scarred memories of falling into nettle patches and emerging covered in stings but they are a really important habitat for wildlife. Small tortoiseshell and peacock caterpillars both feed on nettles. There are also lots of aphids which in turn attract lots of ladybirds. Nettles support over 40 species of insects, they are also a great habitat for birds. Whitethroats nest in stinging nettles and in the autumn the seeds provide a great food source for many species. So why not keep some nettles at the bottom of the garden. Can you think of any nice things to do with nettles?