Wildlife Gardening

What Is The Problem?

Keeping The Balance

The balance between humans and nature is critical to the survival of all species on our planet - flora and fauna. Every species has a role to play. However, within the last century, there has been significant disruption to this balance, with the sharp decreases in the populations of many species across the globe. This is a result of the intensification of agriculture, which is causing major disruption to forest and grassland habitats, and other factors such as urbanisation, climate change, and the use of pesticides.

Even the smallest of animals are integral to ecology; insects, for example, are an essential player in the food chain. Without these, many bird, reptiles, amphibian and fish species would go hungry. Perhaps one the biggest causes for concern is the decline in bee populations. In the UK, we have lost as much as 33% of our bee populations in the last decade alone. Bees are fundamental in keeping us alive; they are responsible for pollinating many different plant species, so are key in the production of much of the food we eat. Bees also help to pollinate wildflowers. Without this, many of these plants would not produce seeds, decreasing abundance and distribution. This has a knock-on impact on many complex food chains and affects the ecosystems of many other insect, bird and mammal species.

There have been some successes with as many as 26% of species increasing in abundance in the last 50 years. However, it is unclear what impact this will have given how stable populations had been up until recently. Ultimately, it is about striking the right balance and understanding how we can co-exist with nature.

How You Can Help

Unbeknown to us, our gardens are home to thousands of species of plants, insects, arachnids, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles; they provide some of the most diverse habitats in the UK. Thus, they are becoming increasingly important in the fight to save our wildlife.

A garden can provide a beautiful habitat, filled with a variety of ecosystems. Even the smallest or tidiest and most-symmetrical of gardens can provide a loving home. Creating a link between gardens also gives species space to migrate and allows populations to connect. Or, in the absence of a garden, a simple window box can provide many species with an area in which to thrive. Ensuring the needs of the wildlife are met is what matters most.

We have researched an array of methods and collated our top picks from different charities and organisations below. Each link provides some useful guidance to get you started.

Plant Your Ecosystem

Whether you have a window box, allotment or large garden, please make sure to plant at least two kinds of bee-friendly flower for every flowering period (March to September) - these can be in shady areas or sunny areas. (E.g. wild strawberry, catmint, Lavender, Honeysuckle).

Build Your Ecosystem

Protect Your Ecosystem

Pesticides:

• Avoid metaldehyde.

• Ensure your garden has as much variety as possible, so that no one species will be able to gain control. The more complex and varied your garden is, the more resilient it becomes.

• Use natural alternatives such as copper strips, sheep wool or egg shells to deter slugs.

• Create an environment that encourages predators like slow-worms or hedgehogs.

Other Useful Tips To Protect Your Ecosystem:

• Conserving water - Use a water butt to catch large amounts of rainwater and use this to water your plants.

• Don’t dismiss all weeds – a handful of nettles grown in a pot to stop them spreading, or tucked away in a corner, provide important food for butterflies.

• Create your own compost - You will reduce your waste sent to landfill, you will be creating a habitat for minibeasts and you will be enriching the soil when dug in to your garden.

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Useful Links & Further Information

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