Biodiversity
With continued climate change around the planet, the negative effects on biodiversity are expected to increase. Our belief is that, by protecting and encouraging greater biodiversity in Wotton-under-Edge and the surrounding villages, we can not only preserve the beauty of our landscape but also create greater resiliance for nature and our community.
We are fortunate to live amongst amazing countryside in Wotton-under-Edge and the surrounding villages, which forms the habitats of many diverse (and some very rare) species. We believe it is important to preserve this and encourage greater understanding of our impact on biodiversity in the area.
Things you can do now:
- Compost (see our link below)
- Don't use weedkillers (they have a profound impact on our soil, bumblebees and many other insects)
- Plant a variety of plants, ideally from seed or cuttings (sadly, garden centre plants are often sprayed with insecticides)
- Dedicate an area of your garden to nature - let wildflowers grow there!
- Make a ‘bug hotel’
- Create a pond
- Make a log pile
- Grow from seed (Stroud Community Seed Bank can help!)
- When you're out walking, stick to footpaths and don't pick wildflowers
- Watch/count birds, insects etc (use the Friends of the Earth bee identifier)
Try these in your own outdoor space
Making compost
Creating your own compost heap is an easy way to make the most of your garden clippings at a time when the recycling centre is closed.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/Advice/Profile?PID=444
Butterfly identification chart
Happily, the warm weather means now is a good time to spot butterflies visiting the garden.
http://www.learnaboutbutterflies.com/British Isles - Identification Guide.htm
Bumblebee identification
Friends of the Earth's Bee identification guide and Bee Saver kit are a lovely way to engage children and adults in spotting bees visiting the garden.
https://www.friendsoftheearth.uk/bees/bee-identification-guide
'No dig' gardening
The least-effort-required way to prepare and maintain beds, ridding them of weeds and using up any corrugated cardboard you might have lying around.
https://www.growveg.co.uk/guides/no-dig-gardening-create-new-beds-the-easy-way/