a thread about Biodiversity/Gardens/Landscape in the UK...

[LemonSwan]

So last few weeks there have been lots of amazing threads about tackling the environment issues.

After watching Davids 'Break Boundaries' - it was surprising to see that biodiversity is the category we have done the most damage too!

So much of these climate change issues are problems so large its questionable whether we can make a significant difference as individuals - but this problem of biodiversity is one that only we can improve. Most greenspace in urban environments is private garden. Any one with a driveway, garden or roof has the power

So this thread is for anyone to discuss how they are helping to support biodiversity in the UK, and by extension do their bit to mitigate against flash flooding, heat island effect, improve air quality and carbon capture.

Some ideas:

• no-mow May
• sown some wildflowers
• put in a native hedge
• sacrificed some/all lawn for a border for pollen
• switched their driveways for permeable
• built a pond
• put in a green roof
• planted host plants for insect breeding
• fresh water - bird baths, butterfly baths etc.

etc. etc.

Excited to hear about what everyone has been doing and what plans anyone has :)

I do some conservation volunteering at a local nature reserve - the wildflower 'meadows' are strimmed and raked in the autumn. That approach (plus lots of hacking at the brambles which are always trying to retake the sites) keeps the big coarse stuff in check and allows for the insect-attracting flowers to come through.

This thread has made my hear sing! This is my area of work and passion!

@ConfusedBear Rats are deterred by strong smells so plant lots of herbs like mint, rosemary and lavender particularly around boundaries. Pollinators will also enjoy these. Also dont bother feeding the birds, as it creates mess which can attract the rats and it actually isnt the best way to support birds (there is a very interesting new study out about this). Planting natural food sources such as berry bearing bushes is more beneficial.

I would encourage everyone to look up their local Wildlife Trust, there are TONS of resources and many are starting "Team Wilder" which is great to get involved with and makes sure your hard work has more impact. It's really helpful to tell neighbours what you're doing or even put up cute signs as this can encourage people to see helping nature as "normal".

Also if you are planting seeds or trees please, please try to use native local provenance seeds. The "wildflower seeds" available in supermarkets and gift shops often contain foreign species which aren't so great for pollinators and can be invasive. Boston Seeds are a good option or trees from the Woofland Trust shop.

Should clarify feeding the birds can still be brilliant, but it's best avoided if you are particularly concerned about rats!

Can I ask-when I retire I’d like to retrain and work in this sort of field eg wildlife gardening-is anyone lucky enough to do this sort of job and if so what do you do, what qualifications are recommended? Thanks

This link about gardens for reducing flash flooding is interesting. I'm looking to add more plants to my garden and thinking about the wider picture of reducing flood risk. I've just bought a hebe and agatache(?) and the bees love them.

www.saga.co.uk/magazine/home-garden/gardening/advice-tips/summer-garden/10-ways-your-garden-can-help-reduce-flash-flooding