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Boosting Biodiversity

Gardens are a space in which we can let our creativity run free. They can be packed with a diverse range of plants that would not be found together in any other scenario, making them a true yet often underrated contender in the fight against declining biodiversity. Every space, whether a lawn, garden patio, window ledge or shed roof, can be vital resource. On this page you will find some tips to help you realise that potential and create a haven for you, your family and wildlife.

  • Just some small actions you can easily take can have huge benefit for British Birds, many of which need help from us now more than ever. Did you know that putting out different mixes of feed will attract different species of birds?  Black Sunflower seeds are a favorite of Greenfinches and Tits, while putting out peanut cakes (a mix of fats and peanut flour) will attract Long-tailed Tits. If you smear fats into the crevices or cracks of a tree, you might even be lucky enough to catch sight of a Treecreeper or  Woodpecker.  If you would like to buy some birdfeed, check out the RSPB's Bird Food Buying Guide.
  • Why not try to make your garden borders as diverse as possible? Planting a wide range of plants that flower at different times will make even a small space brim with biodiversity, providing an aesthetic but practical space for pollinators. Pollinators, who's numbers have declined by 65% in the last 17 years alone, are so-called because they carry the reproductive dust, pollen, from flower to flower to grow the new generation of plants. Without them a significant number of plants from trees to strawberries could not reproduce, representing a major ecological and economic disaster. The RHS  has some great resources to help you if you are planning to make your garden pollinator friendly:
  • If you have a lawn, pledge to forgo mowing for just one month as part of the annual No Mow May campaign. Not only can this make your  lawns look interesting, but will help pollinators thrive, absorb pollution and can even lock carbon underground. In 2023 hundreds of  Kent residents pledged to leave more than 131,510m2 (approximately 503 tennis courts) of lawn to grow, will you be a part of the 2024 campaign?
  • If after May you have enjoyed seeing wildlife in your garden thrive, why not supplement your lawn with Clover, Seedums, Creeping Thyme and Chamomile, or if you're really keen continue with Let it Bloom June?
  • The UK's wetlands have declined by nearly 90% in the last century alone, meaning that any action you take in your garden or community space will have a huge impact. It's not just beneficial for wildlife - one study found that small ponds can sequester as much carbon as grassland, while providing you with something different and beautiful. A comprehensive guide to creating your own wildlife pond can be downloaded here.
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