© Copyright Glaric Consultancy Ltd. 2014
23
Guide to moving home
Making your Garden Wildlife Friendly
There are approximately 15 million gardens in the UK with some
estimates putting their collective area at up to three million acres.
Since 1900 Britain has lost at least 154 species of animal and 109
species of plant.
Much of this is due to the loss of habitat from housing, industrial
developments and changes in farming practices. If each of us that
has a garden does just one or two little things to help the remaining
wildlife then it will have a good chance of surviving.
The UK has lost 90% of its lowland ponds so those in our gardens
have a very important role to play in preserving the fascinating
creatures found in them. As a bonus the frogs and toads will eat the
slugs and snails that have been munching their way through your
plants. If you are thinking of planting a tree, firstly make sure it is
the right size for your garden. Secondly consider choosing a native
species. In a recent study it was found that over 284 species were
associated with the Oak, 15 with the Sycamore and none with the
Plane tree.
This diversity is the keystone to the success of your wildlife garden.
There are a lot of us that only have a back yard or balcony and feel
that there is little that we can do, not so. A bird table or a bird bath
will attract lots of different species who, once they know that food or
water is available will return regularly. Hang up feeders and fill them
with peanuts or specialist bird food.
There are many places to obtain advice on wildlife gardening, your
local library, the web, your local wildlife club. A good start for birds
is the R.S.P.B,
For other wildlife try the Wildlife
Trust,
. Most important of all, relax, do not get
hung up about it, anything you do is a help. Do something, sit back
and enjoy the show.
