Invite wildlife into your garden

Effort:

Impact:

Cost:

Savings:

Restoring nature will help wildlife cope better with the impacts of climate change, and it will also increase carbon capture. Whether you have a sprawling garden or a small balcony, there are steps you can take to make it a haven for local wildlife.

Impact: Encouraging wildlife in your garden helps in pollination, pest control, and soil health. Gardens that support wildlife also act as carbon sinks, absorbing more CO2 from the atmosphere. Natural gardens also reduce the need for chemical pesticides and fertilisers, further reducing your carbon footprint.

Effort: Moderate. It involves making some changes to your garden layout and maintenance routine.

Costs and savings: While there might be some initial costs involved in buying plants or setting up bird feeders, the long-term benefits of a self-sustaining, wildlife-friendly garden can lead to savings in terms of reduced need for pesticides, fertilisers and mowing.

Time each month: Depending on the changes you implement, you might spend an extra 1-2 hours a month maintaining a wildlife-friendly garden.

Next steps

Next Steps:

Plant Thoughtfully: Introduce native trees, pollinator-friendly shrubs, and flowers to your garden.
Nurture Habitats: Consider adding a pond or nurturing existing water features. Dedicate areas for wildflowers and wild grasses.
Shelter Wildlife: Set up spaces for birds, bats, and hedgehogs. A pile of branches and twigs in a garden corner can be a haven for hedgehogs, while another pile can support butterflies, bees, and bugs.
Eco-friendly Gardening: Opt for peat-free compost and steer clear of pesticides.
Accessibility: Ensure there's space under your fence, allowing hedgehogs and frogs to pop by.
Natural Refuges: Create a pile of small branches, twigs, and leaves in a garden corner. This not only supports butterflies, bees, and bugs but also provides a cosy spot for hedgehogs.