Hedgehog houses, covered with leaves are ideal for hibernation.
Go Wild in the Garden
By Caroline Knight
Gardens in the UK extend to an estimated 520,000 hectares, equal to around 2,007 square miles( 5,198.88 square kilometres). This is a huge area for a small nation and even a courtyard or small garden can make a big difference to wildlife, biodiversity and ecology.
It doesn’ t happen without some thought, however. A monoculture of grass or a blank patch of concrete offers little in the way of benefit to this small island or its inhabitants. But a barren garden is the most rewarding to change.
Winter in the UK is a great time to work out how your own garden can contribute to the bigger picture. Every small step you take to improve your patch truly makes an impact.
Six-point plan This simple plan will help to improve biodiversity and have a positive effect on the landscape around you:
1. Plant as many different species of shrubs, trees, perennials and even fruit and vegetables, as you can. Even a window box can help. A wide range of plants, rather than just one type, is good for wildlife( provided you avoid invasive species).
2. Choose plants that provide flowers, fruit and seed at different times. This gives wildlife a chance to find food throughout different seasons.
3. Add some cover and habitats to your garden. Just a pile of sticks, a small pond, a hedge or a collection of leaves will become valuable.
4. If you have a vegetable garden, use the same principles and plant as wide a range as you can fit in.
5. Make a compost heap and use it.
6. Stop using any form of pesticide and use natural fertilisers rather than artificial.
Don’ t expect a dramatic influx of wildlife after completing your actions. The approach to improving your garden needs to be slow and steady. Change will happen gradually. You can help the process by taking a step back and trying not to interrupt it.
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