Tuesday 29 April, 2008
Boosting biodiversity in the garden
As well as providing a feature of great beauty, garden ponds provide a refuge for dragonflies, frogs and newts as their natural habitats disappear. A pond is also a wonderful way to capture young imaginations and get children interested in nature (although if you have very young children, consider the safety implications of installing a pond in your garden).
Ponds, preferably without fish, are sure to attract wildlife - and fast. Within a short time you will notice a difference as birds, amphibians, mammals and insects put in an appearance. If you haven't got space for a pond, even a bird bath will attract more wildlife to your garden.
Your garden pond will be most helpful to wildlife if it is unshaded and constantly full of water. A sunny spot away from trees is ideal. Try to avoid a place where autumn leaves collect and hook up a pipe or hose so that your water butt overflow can automatically fill the pond. Native plants are preferable, including bog bean, marsh marigold and purple loosestrife, and aquatics such as water crowfoot are needed to maintain the balance of the pond.
One thing to beware of - avoid overhanging rocks and try to design the pond with at least one gently sloping side. Hedgehogs may fall into the pond while drinking and this precautionary measure will give them a possible escape route.
Set aside two or three weekends to complete your pond. Various wildlife websites provide helpful practical advice - try these tips from the Wildlife Trusts and the Royal Horticultural Society for starters.
Other ways to encourage biodiversity in your garden:
- Grow nectar-rich plants to encourage butterflies and bees. See http://www.wildaboutgardens.org/ for a list of suitable species.
- Choose trees and shrubs that produce berries to provide food for birds.
- Steer clear of chemical fertilizers and herbicides.
- Don't use peat in gardens; this destroys peat bogs - a threatened European habitat.
- Compost waste; compost heaps can provide a valuable wildlife habitat for slow worms and many invertebrates.
- Provide plants that attract moths, and in turn, bats. The Royal Horticultural Society can advise on ideal plants for a night-time garden.
- Climbing plants provide a nesting habitat for birds. You can also put up bird and bat boxes, and provide bird feeders. The RSPB has some helpful ideas.
- Create a log pile which can be inhabited by invertebrates. Other animals may also hibernate in it.
International Day for Biodiversity falls on 22nd May 2008. Get out in your garden - you might be surprised at what you find!