There is mounting medical evidence showing that contact with the natural environment improves mental and physical health and that that every minute you spend in the garden is good for your health. That’s why Natural England is launching its “Top Tips for Wildlife Gardening”, urging people to get fit through going wild, in the run up to the North East’s largest free green festival.
Jayne Thompson of Natural England said, “Domestic gardens often provide the main contact that people have with wildlife, and are especially significant in stimulating the interest of children in the natural environment. They are of key importance to peoples quality of life. Even with a limited space you can make efforts to attract wildlife to your home, be it your garden, yard, balcony or even a window box. So why not take a few simple actions which will help wildlife and help your health too. Most of these require little effort - not doing things is often valuable”.
- Brighten your garden with flowers that provide pollen and nectar for bees, butterflies and other insects all year round. Many garden plants are as good for wildlife as wild flowers.
- Have a variety of trees, shrubs and climbers - or a mixed hedge - to give food and shelter to wildlife.
- Look after mature trees in and around your garden and they’ll look after the wildlife. Old trees are more important for wildlife than anything else.
- Create a pond - or just let an upturned bin-lid or a sunken washing bowl fill with water. Make sure ponds have one sloping side to allow creatures an easy way out and add lots of plants.
- Leave a pile of dead wood in a shady spot. Any wood will do, though large logs are best and can make a home for anything from beetles to other useful mini-beasts.
- Build a compost heap – it will save you money! It will also shelter creatures like slow worms that eat slugs.
- Provide food and water for birds all year round.
- Relax! Don’t feel you have to be too tidy. Leave some areas undisturbed. Allow a patch of grass to grow longer. This will encourage wild flowers, provide shelter for small mammals and food for some butterfly caterpillars.
- Garden sustainably to help protect wildlife and the environment worldwide. Use fewer chemicals and no peat; choose wood from sustainable sources; recycle all you can and save water. For more information on these tips including advice on which plants to use, please visit our website at www.naturalengland.org.uk/campaigns/breathingplaces
- Natural England was established by the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. Its purpose is to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.
- Natural England has been formed by bringing together English Nature, the landscape, access and recreation elements of the Countryside Agency and the environmental land management functions of the Rural Development Service.
- Natural England has a budget of £500 million and employs 2,500 people.
- Natural England’s headquarters are based in Sheffield.
- Spokespeople, photography and logos available. For further information, Jayne Thompson 0191 229 5513
Notes to Editors