Small actions, such as, increasing the diversity of plants in your garden, building a bug house, or putting up a bird feeder, make a huge difference to the wildlife in your garden, and greatly contributes to nature recovery as a whole! This is also a fantastic way to spot more species and learn about the creatures in your area.
Join the Finding Nature’s Footprints’ iNaturalist page and upload the creatures you find using the link below:
iNaturalist | North Devon Coast (northdevon-aonb.org.uk)
Here are some ways you can get involved with conserving nature and helping the environment at home:
Wildlife Ponds
We’ve lost over half of our ponds here in the UK, and many more are polluted. Flying insects have declined by 60% in the last 20 years; a huge problem, since most birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles all rely on insects for food. Don’t forget about all the wildflowers and crops which require insects to pollinate them. We need to build more ponds to help our dwindling insect populations!
For an in-depth read about making and managing wildlife ponds, see our page on attracting dragonflies and amphibians. If you focus on helping these two groups of animals, then everything else will also benefit!
Help reverse the insect apocalypse and benefit the entire ecosystem by installing one like this!
- Don’t plant your pond! It is *very* easy to add invasive species accidentally.
Allow plants to arrive naturally via animals and wind! - Don’t add fish! Fish will eat most of your bugs and defecate in the water, causing algae to overgrow.
- Prevent potential sources of pollution: pet flea treatment, manure, fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides.
- Leaves falling in your pond will cause algae to dominate. Use netting to catch leaves, remove the tree, or dig the pond elsewhere.
- Sunlight is a must for ponds to thrive.
- If after several years, you have too much algae, add dried barley straw to reduce this.
- Sweep vegetation to one side rather than removing it. If you must remove overgrowth, do so in early winter.
Before you dispose of cuttings/scrapings, leave them on the bank for 1 day to let creatures crawl back in.
Bird Feeders
Birds can benefit a huge amount from the provision of feeders in gardens, especially during the winter months. You can provide them with a feeding table and water station or get crafty and create your own bird feeder using the link below.
How to make a bird feeder │ Crafts | National Trust
Helping Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are in decline, however, there are simple things we can do to help them thrive. Follow the links below to find out more about hedgehogs and how to get involved.
Help our Hedgehogs – North Devon Biosphere
How to build a hedgehog home | The Wildlife Trusts
Attracting Pollinators
Pollinators are creatures such as Bees and Butterflies. They are essential to healthy ecosystems alongside helping plants to produce fruits and vegetables. Simple changes in your garden can make a difference to how these creatures can use your outdoor space. Follow the links to find out more.
Garden wildlife / RHS Gardening / RHS Gardening
How to attract butterflies to your garden | The Wildlife Trusts
Inviting Insects
Having a diverse array of insects in your garden provides a natural food source for small birds and mammals contributing to a healthy ecosystem.Follow the links to see how you can help to increase the bugs and crawlies in your outdoor space.
Knowledge Base: Create a bug haven – North Devon Biosphere
How to build a bug mansion | The Wildlife Trusts
Other ways to get involved…
Bird watching is a great way to learn about local birds and record the species you spot whilst taking the time to unwind. You can watch from your windows or follow the link below to the Devon Wildlife Trusts’ ‘birdfeeder cam’ to get watching.
Wildlife Windows | Devon Wildlife Trust
You can still make a difference without accessing an outdoor space. Signing petitions, making simple changes at home and donating to local charities are fantastic ways to help your local and national spaces. Follow the links below for ways to reduce your impact and to access national and local petitions in aid of the environment.
What you can do — Plastic Free North Devon
Protect our Living Legends: Sign our Petition – Woodland Trust