The Season of Giving..... to Nature

The gift that keeps on giving

There’s no better time to start giving to nature on a permanent basis. Most of us could improve our habits, so that we give more than we take. Within around two years, new developments in England will be expected to demonstrate that their projects will increase biodiversity by at least ten per cent. Known as Biodiversity Net Gain, this is a big change from what happens at the moment. The new Environment Bill will make it necessary for developers to use ecological features and environmental enhancements to protect and improve existing natural habitat and green infrastructure. Anyone with a garden can start right away, as we should all be nurturing nature so that biodiversity can triumph. You need to select plants with ample benefits for insects, allow wood piles and untidy areas to become part of the border, and use vertical fences and walls for further planting.

Best plants for wildlife

Most gardens have room for a tree, if only a small one. Trees and shrubs can support a remarkable number of living things, so if you only have time to plant just one thing in your garden, make it a tree, a shrub or something that provides positive benefits for small creatures. If you have a little more time, a mixed hedge is just about the best you can offer wildlife. • Betula: there are 521 species of invertebrates that are known to feed on birch trees and more than 100 of these are exclusive to that particular type of tree. • Sorbus, the rowan tree: provides food for at least 160 species of insect and, of course, birds and small mammals love the berries. • Malus, the native crab apple: provides homes for at

least 90 insect species. Many different insects visit the spring blossom, then birds and other creatures eat the fruits. Even ornamental varieties of this delightful tree provide rich biodiversity benefits. • Amelanchier, the June berry or serviceberry tree: has something to offer wildlife during several seasons. Early spring flowers for pollinators make this small tree look like a white cloud. It also provides multiple nesting opportunities for birds and juicy berries during the late summer. • Conifers: really are worth having! Some have earned negative press over the years but this doesn’t detract from their value to wildlife. There’s probably no better tree for providing nesting sites and protection for a wide range of creatures. • Flowering shrubs and perennials: choose single flowers over double, every time. They have an open shape that allows access for the pollinators and nectar-drinkers. Look for yellow stamens within a flower; these will support insects. • Purple and blue flowers are best for bees! buddleia, catmint, lavender, pulmonaria, penstemon, allium and purple-flowering hardy geraniums can all be seen clearly. Ensure there is something flowering from early spring through to autumn and winter. • Butterflies love hebes, sedum (Hylotelephium varieties), Verbena bonariensis, Origanum,

Erysimum ‘Bowles Mauve’, buddleia, scabious and many wild flowers such as knapweed.