Take Action
We all know how important the natural world is to our wellbeing – and that’s becoming more apparent than ever.
But we cannot do this on our own. We need many more people on nature’s side and we can achieve so much more when we come together. We know that if just one in four people across our counties takes action that will be enough to change the hearts and minds of the majority and create the momentum we need.
Whatever your outside space, there are plenty of opportunities to help wildlife thrive and to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature on your doorstep.
Here are a few suggestions of action you can take close to home.
HELPING BEES AND OTHER POLLINATORS
Many of our prettiest insects feed on nectar, so need flowering plants for their survival. Butterflies, moths, bees and hoverflies all need sources of nectar and pollen to thrive. As they travel from flower to flower, they also pollinate them, enabling them to set seed or bear fruit. So, setting up a nectar café benefits both your plants and you, allowing you to enjoy the flitting and fluttering of beautiful butterflies.
Building a bee hotel is a great way to attract important insects into your garden.
Why are Bees so important?
FEEDING BIRDS
Tips on feeding birds
Attracting birds to your garden is easy: supplement naturally available food with bird food, and watch them flock in! Remember to keep feeders and tables clean, so the birds stay healthy and disease-free, and position your feeders in a relatively open area away from predators – the birds will feel safer and visit more!
Make a bird feeder
Bird feeders are mutually beneficial, plus, they make for an exciting DIY project! There are a ton of bird feeders you can buy out there, but going the handmade route allows you to have complete design control.
ATTRACTING INSECTS AND OTHER WILDLIFE
Making a mini pond
Any pond can become a feeding ground for birds, hedgehogs and bats – the best natural garden pest controllers! Your pond needn’t be big. A washing-up bowl, a large plant pot, or a disused sink could all be repurposed as ponds, providing you make sure creatures can get in and out.
Wildlife Ponds
Adding a pond is one of the best things you can do for wildlife in your garden.
Making a bug hotel
Insects and other minibeasts need safe spaces to shelter, hide from predators and raise their young. You can help them by building a bug hotel in your garden or outside area
GROWING IN TINY SPACES
Container growing
Sow your own mini wildflower meadow in a windowbox, line a pot with plastic to make a potted pond or use walls to create vertical herb displays.
Growing herbs
No matter how big the space you have, you can please both people and wildlife with a majestic herb garden. Planting a herb garden will not only allow you easy access to seasoning for your food, but will also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies into your garden. Herb gardens can be planted in raised beds, borders, containers or windowboxes – any space will do!