Help improve our area's biodiversity...

Although it seems like a while ago, it appears that ‘No Mow May’ was a success with more people allowing their lawns to flourish for the benefit of wildlife.

Strategies to improve wildlife numbers and species by encouraging biodiversity doesn’t need to stop there. Research has shown that one of the best times to sow wildflower seed is in early autumn; that not cutting back garden plants can provide refuges for overwintering insects, and that providing log piles and undisturbed areas can help animals of all kinds to survive through the winter.

Biodiversity – the range of different plant and animal species – has taken something of a hammering locally, nationally and globally over recent years. There is now an opportunity to do what we can in our own gardens, verges and collective woodland and open spaces to encourage greater diversity and numbers of wildlife – rather than hoping that ‘somebody else’ will do it. In fact, any time of year is a good time to start, whether it is planning garden areas or trees for next year, making or buying a ‘bee hotel’, a bird box or even setting-up a remote wildlife camera.

Climate Action Wendover and the Chiltern Society, with the support of Wendover Parish Council, have been instrumental in setting up the Wendover Wildbelt with one of the aims of increasing biodiversity. The area at the old skate park is flourishing with a variety of trees, bushes and herbs that make up the

Nick Taylor Landscape Gardener

Decking, Walls, Drives, Lawns, Ponds, Patios, Paths and all General Landscaping

Wendover (01296) 696840 07507 829423 agroforestry project, trees and shrubs along the boundary and an encouraging display of plants, particularly the spring show of yellow rattle, in the wildflower area. This is a tremendous boost for biodiversity in Wendover.

Meanwhile in your own garden, late summer and early autumn are a great time to plant wildflower seeds for next year – you’ll likely see seedheads forming on existing plants and grasses, so follow nature’s lead. It’s always best to go for a reputable supplier of native species.

See the RHS website for lots of information on seeds and how to develop a wildflower meadow.

An even easier option is to use a seed bomb or bee bomb – a variety of seeds in a small clay ball which you simply scatter and allow to break down in the rain. These are available online, in garden centres and at the Just shop in Wendover High Street.