It’s National Nestbox Week (14 – 21 February) and Barratt Developments Scotland is encouraging the nation to get involved with bird conservation from their very own gardens.
Garden birds need a safe place to raise their chicks, and it’s both fun and easy for residents to open up their gardens and give them a home for the season. Britain is in need of more nestboxes to help support bird populations, and National Nestbox Week aims to raise awareness of how quick and easy it is to play an important part.
To coincide with the week, Barratt has created an online nestbox quiz for homeowners to learn more about their feathered friends and how to make their own gardens wildlife-friendly for nature’s neighbours. Those taking the quiz are in with a chance of winning up to £100 in RSPB vouchers.
It comes as part of Barratt Developments Scotland’s, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, commitment to supporting wildlife on developments and celebrating its national partnership with the RSPB.
Each entrant to the quiz will be able to learn more about a range of birds as they’re asked to match common species to the homes that suit their needs.
Estelle Sykes, Sales Director at Barratt Development Scotland, said: “We always try to give nature a home at our developments, creating new habitats as part of our long-term partnership with the RSPB.
“Alongside National Nestbox Week, hopefully this quiz can help get all generations involved in learning more about wildlife and nature.”
National Nestbox Week is organised by the British Trust for Ornithology and aims to encourage more people to help the birds by putting up nestboxes.
Anyone wishing to take part in the housebuilder’s digital bird quiz has until Monday 28 February 2022 to enter the prize draw.
With six prizes up for grabs in the form of RSPB vouchers, homeowners can make their garden inviting for birds, in addition to other wildlife such as hedgehogs, bees and butterflies.
When looking to place a nestbox in a garden, it’s important to find a sheltered, shady location, preferably facing north through east to south-east to avoid prevailing winds and strong direct sunlight. Nestboxes also need to be kept out of reach of cats and other predators.
There are many ways that residents in the country can help the birds in their garden, such as providing a regular supply of clean water by using a bird bath, providing nestboxes and putting the right bird seed out including flaked maize and sunflower hearts.
The 2021 Big Butterfly Count is well underway, and experts from Butterfly Conservation are urging the UK’s citizen scientists to continue helping them understand how the year’s unseasonable weather is affecting some of our favourite insect species.
More than 100,000 butterfly counts have been submitted since the Big Butterfly Count launched on 16th July, but with a week of counting to go, more data is needed.
Butterfly Conservation’s current records show that many species of butterflies, including some well-known favourites such as the Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell and Comma are down in abundance following a cold and wet spring.
Dr Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation, explains: “The weather can play a huge part in how our butterflies and moths fare.
“With the UK experiencing an increasing number of extreme weather events, which are likely a result of climate change, it’s important we learn the effect these changes have on our native butterfly populations in order to understand the likely long-term impacts on biodiversity.”
Butterflies and moths make excellent indicators of the impacts of climate change and other human environmental factors. This makes collecting data on their numbers through the Big Butterfly Count really important. With another week of the Big Butterfly Count left to run, there is still time for people to take part and contribute to one of the UK’s largest citizen science projects.
The Big Butterfly Count is in its 12th year and is Butterfly Conservation’s annual three-week citizen science event.
The UK-wide survey is open to everyone, of any age, living in towns, cities or the countryside. Taking part requires you to spend 15-minutes in any outdoor space (a great staycation activity) counting the amount and type of butterflies and some day-flying moths you see.
It is easy to do and the more people who do it, the greater the benefits to our understanding of nature and how to help it.
It’s easy to upload the results either through the free app or via:
You can do as many 15-minute counts as you like throughout the Big Butterfly Count period – which runs until Sunday (8th August).
Dr Randle is keen to remind people that it’s important to upload the results, even if you don’t see any butterflies. She says: “Negative data is important too. If you are in a place you would expect to see butterflies and there aren’t any, or there are only one or two, we need to know that.
“It all helps us with creating a clear picture of what is happening to our butterflies and moths. By taking part in the Big Butterfly Count you are making a real contribution to science and our understanding of how climate change and habitat loss are affecting these species.”
Butterfly species hard hit by changeable weather patterns
Where have the butterflies gone? Butterfly Conservation launches this year’s Big Butterfly Count with urgent appeal for public’s help after disastrous spring weather.
Chris Packham and wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation are launching this year’s Big Butterfly Count today by asking people to help find and record butterflies across the UK.
Butterfly Conservation’s current records show that many species of butterflies have had a poor spring or a delay in their emergence following 2021’s unseasonably cold and wet weather.
The Speckled Wood was particularly low in numbers this spring, but the Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Green-veined White, Large White and Red Admiral were also all down in abundance compared with their 10-year average. How this will impact this summer’s butterflies is what the charity is asking people to find out, by taking part in the Big Butterfly Count.
The weather in spring 2021 has been very challenging for many of the UK’s butterflies and moths. Although April was the sunniest on record, it was also very cold with a record number of frosts. This was then followed by the wettest May for over 50 years. Butterfly Conservation needs the public’s help to measure how these conditions have affected our butterflies and moths.
The UK is experiencing an increasing number of extreme weather events, a likely result of climate change, and it’s important we learn the effect these changes have on our native butterfly species in order to understand the likely long-term impacts on biodiversity.
The Big Butterfly Count is Butterfly Conservation’s annual three-week citizen science event. The UK-wide survey is open to everyone, of any age, living in towns, cities or the countryside.
Taking part just requires you to spend 15 minutes in an outdoor space (a great staycation activity) counting the amount and type of butterflies, and some day-flying moths, you see. It is easy to do and the more people who do it, the greater the benefits to our understanding of nature and how to help it.
For those taking part in Scotland, a new species has been added to the Big Butterfly Count identification guide this year.
The Scotch Argus is common and widespread in Scotland but has declined in the southern part of its range, especially in England where it is reduced to just two isolated sites. Butterfly spotters in Scotland are encouraged to record their sightings of the Scotch Argus so that scientists might better understand changes in the population.
There were over 145,000 counts submitted to the Big Butterfly Count last year, more than ever before. Though worryingly, 2020 also saw the lowest average number of butterflies logged since the event began twelve years ago.
Chris Packham, Vice-President of Butterfly Conservation and wildlife broadcaster, says: “Biodiversity and climate crisis is an urgent issue and it can be overwhelming to think about what we can do as individuals to really make a difference.
“Because butterflies and moths make excellent indicators of the impacts of climate change and other human environmental factors, collecting data on their numbers is really important. So, something as simple as recording a butterfly spotted in your garden, at your local park or on your window box can play a part in vital research into a global problem. It’s a really valuable contribution everyone can make.”
Dr Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation says: “The Big Butterfly Count, along with our other research work, is already showing us changes in the populations of our butterflies and moths. Climate change and other human-led impacts are causing some species to be found in new areas, while others are becoming harder to find in the UK at all.
“We really need the public’s help to understand what is happening to our butterfly and moth populations. It’s a small but crucial thing everyone can do. This information will not only help us to protect these species, but also to inform what effect the changing climate is having on our biodiversity.”
Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count is something anyone of any age or ability can do, in any outdoor space. It provides a real contribution to science and our understanding of butterfly and moth populations in the UK.
This year the Big Butterfly Count is sponsored by garden wildlife specialist Vivara and the DFN Foundation, a commissioning charity focused on influencing sustainable change in special needs education, supported employment, healthcare and conservation.
Bastiaan de Jong, COO of Vivara said: “Back gardens can provide essential pit-stops for insects and are perfect locations for butterfly spotting.
“Whatever space you have, make it inviting to wildlife and enjoy doing your bit for nature on your doorstep. So join in and ‘get out for the count’ to see just which butterflies love your garden!”
David Forbes Nixon OBE, Chairman of the DFN Foundation, said: “We are once again thrilled to be the official co-sponsor of the Big Butterfly Count and look forward to continuing our work with Butterfly Conservation to identify trends in species that will help us plan how to protect butterflies from extinction.
“Last year saw more submissions to the Big Butterfly Count than ever before and it was wonderful to see this engagement even in the midst of the pandemic. Now, as we continue to follow the roadmap out of lockdown, we have a huge opportunity to build on this momentum and engage with even more people of all ages across the country on connecting with nature in a positive and meaningful way. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought into even greater focus the need to help improve our whole environment for wildlife and enrich the lives of people now and in the future.”
This year’s Big Butterfly Count runs from the 16th July to the 8th August.
For more information and to take part simply visit www.bigbutterflycount.org or download the free Big Butterfly Count app.
Today, Glenmorangie has launched a charity cocktail to support the protection of the world’s tallest animal, the giraffe, on the longest day of the year.
To celebrate World Giraffe Day the commemorative drink crafted by makers of tasty liquor Mothership, will raise funds towards the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), as part of the single malt whisky’s ongoing concerted effort to aid the animal in partnership with GCF and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).
The giraffe has long been a beloved symbol of the Highland Distillery. The same height as an adult giraffe, its stills allow more space for taste and aroma, which is why Glenmorangie’s spirit is so wonderfully delicate and fruity.
But the giraffe faces serious threats in the wild, from poaching to habitat loss. Numbers have fallen by almost 30% in just 30 years – and some types are now critically endangered.
Earlier this year, Glenmorangie supported RZSS with the wildlife conservation charity’s creation of a brand new habitat at Edinburgh Zoo, allowing giraffes to return to the capital for the first time in over 15 years.
Featuring Glenmorangie Original, the ‘Camel Leopard’ cocktail is available online now via Mothership’s website and across its three Edinburgh venues, Bramble, Lucky Liquor and Last Word Saloon.
All proceeds will be donated towards GCF in their efforts to raise awareness of the plight of giraffes. With tropical and fresh notes, the cocktail unfolds with layers of complexity, making it the perfect drink to raise a glass to these magnificent creatures.
Caspar MacRae, Global Marketing and Business Development Director of The Glenmorangie Company said: “For over 175 years we have created whisky in stills the same height as an adult giraffe, with this wonderful animal becoming a much-loved symbol of our brand.
“It seems only right that we should lend our support to protecting their future through our global conservation partnership with GCF and RZSS.
“We have been working closely with Jason, Mike and Jon at Mothership for years – having dreamed up many of the delicious Glenmorangie cocktails in the past. Together, we will work to protect giraffes in the wild and shine a light on their predicament before it’s too late.”
Jason Scott, co-founder of Mothership, added: “We’re pleased to once again collaborate with Glenmorangie, especially on such a special initiative, helping to save giraffes in the wild.
“With a balance of citrus, herbal and tropical flavours, this refreshing cocktail is perfect to raise a glass to the world’s tallest animal and enjoy on a long summer’s day.”
Available until the 27th of June, Glenmorangie’s charity cocktail, the ‘Camel Leopard’ for World Giraffe Day 2021 is available at: mothershipscotland.com or Mothership’s venues Bramble, Lucky Liquor Co. and Last Word Saloon in Edinburgh.
Sir David Attenborough, world renowned naturalist, writer and broadcaster, has been named the recipient of WWF’s Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Award which honours and recognizes outstanding contributions made to the global conservation movement.
For over 60 years, Sir David Attenborough has brought the wonders of the natural world to our screens and into our homes, completely transforming our view of the wild world and inspiring action for our planet’s most precious species and fragile habitats.
His extraordinary broadcasting career began when he joined BBC Television in 1952. From his first ever documentary series to the more recent A Life On Our Planet, Sir David Attenborough has become synonymous with natural history programming.
His lifelong ambition has been to create societal affinity with the natural world through his work and he has been a strong advocate for the need to translate this affinity into real, collective action to protect our planet.
“Sir David Attenborough has been a passionate champion for the natural world, dedicating his life to inspiring hundreds of millions around the world to love and care for nature and wildlife. Across more than 60 years, his universal appeal has transcended generations and borders,”said Pavan Sukhdev, President of WWF International.
“With nature in crisis like never before, we need everyone on the planet to be a voice for nature and Sir David Attenborough has been a shining example of that advocacy. He has been integral in explaining nature to audiences and inspiring action for our planet, our one shared home.”
The Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Award carries particular poignancy this year given the passing of His Royal Highness the late Duke of Edinburgh in April.
Prince Philip – who would have turned 100 today – was a pivotal patron of WWF, serving as a passionate voice, advocate and champion for the organization’s work from its creation and particularly as WWF International’s President from 1981 to 1996. The Prince was also the first president of WWF-UK, from its founding in 1961 until 1982.
In 1970, WWF established its prestigious award, eponymously named the Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Award, to recognize and encourage significant achievement in the global environmental field.
Sir David said:“It is a particular honour to receive an award that carries the name of His Royal Highness the late Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke was a great pioneer of the conservation movement both in the UK and internationally.
“His concern for the natural world came from a deep knowledge and understanding, and his energy, advocacy and ability to reach leaders and people all around the world was an inspiration.”
This year WWF marks 60 years of conservation impact and its mission has only grown in relevance and scope over the last six decades, expanding from the protection of species and places to a systemic approach to nature conservation and sustainable development, partnering with others to address the conservation at scale of wildlife, forests, ocean and freshwater systems and to tackle the main drivers of nature loss.
Today WWF is calling for urgent action to address the global climate and nature crises and ensure a sustainable future for all. The conservation movement, along with world leaders, businesses and communities will have to achieve more in the next 10 years than in the last 60.
Sir David added: “The natural world has never been in greater need of help than it is today. I have seen the damage we have done to it myself. The good news is more and more people are beginning to recognise the threat of impending catastrophe.
“But there is a long way to go and time is running out. It will be the next generation that determines the future of our planet, and the passion of young people that will ensure that change happens.”
The grey days of winter have faded away and we’ve stepped into the glorious and much-needed sunshine of spring.
Many of us will be taking a proper look at our gardens for the first time in months, and perhaps realising there’s a bit of work needed on a few areas. If you’re wondering how to get started with turning a blank canvas into a thriving space for entertaining, spending time with family, planting and more, the experts at Hayter and Toro are here to help.
Be careful of trimming your hedges too late in spring. Many garden birds nest in hedges and trimming at nesting time can cause disruption. Listen out for cheeping and keep an eye out to see if there are birds coming and going before you whip out the trimmers.
Wildflower power
If you’re not the most green-fingered person, you might feel a bit daunted by the idea of planting. Don’t be discouraged! A great way to get started is with wildflowers – and spring is the best time of year to plant them.
If you’ve got an empty flower bed, a spare pot or even a rather patchy bit of lawn, you can sow wildflower seeds from pre-mix packets or buy ‘seed bombs’ with ease. It’s a great activity to do with kids as it requires no special skills and you can scatter them far and wide for maximum effect. Plus, you’ll be helping out bees and butterflies – what’s not to like?
Grow your greens
Spring is the perfect time of year to get stuck into growing your own food. Planting now guarantees delicious home-grown food in just a few months. Impress friends and family by serving up potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers and spring onions grown in your own back garden. It’s easy to dig a small vegetable patch and get started – why not grab some volunteers to help with the digging and reward them later down the line with fresh greens from the garden?
Breaking out the barbecue
Ah, the great British barbecue. We’re not put off by a stiff breeze or the chance of showers! Whether you go all-out with a bells and whistles model or have a more modest set up, as we’re all spending more time outdoors to stay safe, there’s never been a better time to try your hand at barbecuing. You might want to bring a blanket or umbrella though – just in case.
Come outside
If you’ve got kids, you’re probably desperate to get them out of the house and into the fresh air. Between home schooling and screen time, the better weather in spring is a perfect chance to encourage them outdoors and from under your feet.
But don’t just leave them standing on the lawn. Set up a basketball hoop, a badminton net, a football goal. If they’re less sporty, why not get them mini beast hunting, den building or set up a paddling pool?
However you choose to style your garden, make sure you’re using the best tools from Hayter and Toro to make it happen. Whether you end up with a space worthy of the Chelsea Flower Show or a family-friendly garden that’s rough around the edges, the most important thing is making the most of the space – and enjoying it.
· Barratt Homes Scotland and the RSPB launch Nature on Your Doorstep, designed to help people turn their outdoor spaces into havens for themselves and wildlife.
· A recent YouGov poll shows that two-thirds of the UK said that nature was a source of solace during the pandemic.
Barratt Homes Scotland and the RSPB have launched Nature on Your Doorstep, a project designed to inspire and advise everyone on how to turn their outdoor spaces into havens for wildlife – whether it be a garden, balcony, yard, or community green space.
This project comes after a year in lockdown caused many to rediscover and rejoice in their local nature. In 2020 alone over 1.7 million people sought advice from the RSPB website on how to make their garden more wildlife-friendly, and in January the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch saw a record-breaking one million people take part in counting the birds in their garden.
In a recent YouGov poll, two-thirds of people in the UK said nature was a source of solace during the pandemic, with more than half of those surveyed (51%) believing the pandemic has made them more aware of nature around them.
The importance of the outdoors to our health is reflected by the Mental Health Foundation choosing ‘Nature’ for the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week in recognition of how nature helped people through the pandemic.
From today, visitors to Nature on Your Doorstep will be able to access:
· how-to gardening guides,
· easy step-by-step videos,
· seasonal gardening advice, and
· an online community dedicated to bringing people together to ask questions, seek advice and share their successes (and learning experiences)
Already available are four of the ten ‘Wildlife Action’ articles and how-to videos from Adrian Thomas, the RSPB’s wildlife gardening expert.
The first two articles guide people through how to find their green fingers and the importance of water for wildlife. Visitors to the page will also be able to sign up to receive a monthly newsletter full of useful tips and tricks.
Over the next three years, the project will continue to grow into a go-to place for gardening for wildlife. The project will host everything from customisable content to seasonal advice across the four nations, as well as researching what drives or prevents people from welcoming wildlife to their outside spaces and investigating how to empower local communities to make shared spaces home for wildlife.
Adrian Thomas, the RSPB’s wildlife gardening expert, said:“Our local wildlife has been an incredible source of comfort over the past year of isolation and uncertainty, and we’re so thrilled to see people wanting to help nature in return. With Nature on Your Doorstep, we want to provide a place for everyone to learn from each other, ask questions, and be inspired to do more.
“Gardens can provide a crucial lifeline for struggling species – familiar birds such as the house sparrow have seen their numbers halve in the last 40 years, while 28 species of urban butterflies are down 69% in three decades.
“But seven out of eight households in Britain have a garden, and that is a huge patchwork of potential homes for nature. To that hungry butterfly, or that weather-beaten bird looking for a place to roost, just one garden can make all the difference. If we all work together to transform our gardens, we can truly revive our world.”
Douglas McLeod, managing director at Barratt Homes Scotland, said:“We want to empower people to give nature a home, by creating an online community for them to learn and to share their experiences, giving them digital tools which they can then take into the garden to get their hands dirty. This is all about helping homeowners to turn their garden into havens for wildlife.”
The RSPB and Barratt Developments have been working together since 2014 to show how new homes can help nature and support wildlife. Their support has allowed the RSPB to breathe new life into its wildlife-friendly gardening work through the creation of Nature on Your Doorstep.
To turn your patch into paradise for you and your wildlife, please go to the RSPB website.
Harbour (common) seal numbers are declining in some parts of Scotland by up to 95%. The Fife Seal Group counted just 100 individuals in the Firth of Forth in 2019 and have stated a decline here of 40% since the 1990s (writes KAREN BATES of WARDIE BAY BEACHWATCH).
Numbers did not improve in 2021. Over the Covid-19 crisis, we have seen a notable increase in wildlife disturbance at Wardie Bay and Granton Harbour.
Indeed, the story is the same all around the coast, prompting Marine Scotland to publish new guidance for interacting with seals. We are understandably reconnecting with nature on our doorstep and may not be aware of the effect of getting too close to wildlife such as seals.
At Granton Harbour and beyond, the situation for harbour seals has become serious enough that signage has become necessary to help inform those not aware of the consequences of their actions.
Our pontoons are designated for wildlife conservation in this special protection area. Local people have responded by collaboratively creating a sign to help inform visitors and nudge away from behaviour that is causing the ‘flight’ response in the local seal population.
There is enough danger out there for this species. We do not need to cause them more harm. They clearly want to use the designated platform provided for them, but not when humans threaten to get too close.
The #SaveOurSealsSign challenge was sent out to four local primary schools: Wardie, Granton, Trinity and Victoria. 117 children returned some amazing and fun designs.
The public and a panel of seal experts were invited to vote on their favourites to be made into a final sign, which was installed yesterday – May the 4th, Star Wars Day.
The final #SaveOurSealsSign is a collage of the top three voted for designs. Congratulations to Sumaira (Trinity P7), Ella (Wardie P3) and Izzie (Trinity P7) and all the children and teachers for their fantastic work.
Huge thanks go to Kevin of TRAC engineering for coordinating the installation, to Steve and Sarah at Glasgow’s Logo Labels Ltd for their experience and for making the sign for us, and to Sam, Marion and Gregory of P1 Solutions for installing it!
They definitely get the Seal of Approval!
Logo Labels said, “We are proud to help bring awareness of issues in the greater community.
“As a lover of wildlife, owner Stephen McNeil jumped at the chance to help manufacture a sign to support this cause and make people aware of the issue for seals that inhabit the area”.
Wardie Bay Beachwatch said: “We now hope that people will see what local kids have to say, so that we can all enjoy these amazing animals – from a distance – for many years to come. May the 4th be with you!”
The Seal Alliance has launched a new UK government-backed campaign to ‘Give Seals Space’ and reduce the shocking impact that human disturbance can have on these vulnerable marine mammals.
As the public go out for walks over the Easter weekend, the Seal Alliance warns that getting too close to seals can lead to their injury and death, even up to several months later.
The UK is home to 38% of the entire world’s population of grey seals and 30% of the European subspecies of common seals, yet these precious mammals face an extensive list of threats including climate change, toxic pollution, entanglement, collisions with vessels, plastics and other marine debris. Of these threats, disturbance from human interaction is a significant and growing problem.
Seals are vulnerable to any kind of human interactions, either deliberate or unintentional. The ‘Give Seals Space’ signs and leaflets will raise awareness of the simple steps the public can take to protect these precious creatures.
It features four easy-to-remember steps:
Keep well away from seals (use a camera zoom or binoculars) so that they can’t smell, hear or see you
Keep dogs on a lead when in an area where seals might be present
Never feed seals
Take all litter home
Young seals are most affected by disturbance and only 25% are likely to survive to the age of 18 months in a bad year. If people are being noisy or startle the vulnerable animals by getting too close, this wastes their energy, meaning young pups struggle to haul out of the water to rest and digest their food.
Female seals are heavily pregnant or pupping during the summer and getting too close or disturbing them can lead to seals stampeding on rocks, which prove fatal to both mother and pup. The impact on seals can also be invisible but results in mothers not being able to build sufficient fat reserves so they cannot feed new-born pups adequately.
The campaign is a timely reminder as the public go out for walks, take part in water activities or fly drones over the Easter weekend, and as lockdown measures gradually ease across the UK. The Seal Alliance is urging the public to exhibit special caution as seals have ventured further inshore on beaches and coastlines that have become quieter during lockdown.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “Seals are one of our most iconic marine mammals. They can be found along our coastline around the UK, and we must do all that we can to protect them.
“Disturbance by members of the public can be detrimental to seals, but this is entirely preventable. I would urge everyone to follow the guidance, give seals the space that they need and respect this vulnerable marine species.
“This campaign will raise vital awareness ahead of the bank holiday weekend and help protect some of our most treasured marine wildlife.”
Andy Ottaway, of the Seal Protection Action Group, said: “Our precious coastal wildlife is coming under increasing human pressure. We need to be aware of the harm we can cause by getting too close to our seals and the often tragic consequences when we do.“
Sue Sayer, of the Seal Research Trust, said: I have witnessed bleeding, grazed flippers, ripped-out claws and gashed bellies that leave blood trails across the rocks after a stampede. Seals need our help so please keep yourself downwind and your dog on a lead.
“If a seal is looking at you, it has been disturbed, so please move further away. Use your camera and binoculars, stay quiet and out of sight. If we follow these simple rules we can enjoy watching seals for longer and without harm – a win–win for both people and seals.”
The Seal Alliance has used funding to produce leaflets and signage, for the public and wildlife tour operators, with guidance on how to ‘Watch Seals Well’ so not to disturb them.
The funding has also allowed the Alliance to employ a ‘digital ranger’ to help promote messages across social media platforms.
Edinburgh residents encouraged to protect local garden wildlife
Dobbies Garden Centres has teamed up with the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, the RSPB, to release its latest podcast episode. The podcast is available to listen to now (Wednesday 24 March) and takes a look at how we can all protect and care for our local garden wildlife.
In the latest episode, podcast host and gardening writer Louise Midgley is joined by RSPB Conservation Officer, Ally Lemon, with the pair discussing how we can all make small changes to protect our garden wildlife. As well as practical advice on caring for our birds, insects and pollinators, the episode also has some handy tips on how to make a welcoming habitat for local species.
Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies, said: “With spring just around the corner a lot of us will be preparing our gardens for the warmer months, and we can all do our bit to make our outdoor spaces more wildlife friendly.
“Helping nature starts at home, and no matter how big or small your garden, we can all create a suitable home for garden wildlife. We hope people across Edinburgh will welcome local wildlife into their gardens.”
The RSPB is inspiring everyone to give nature a home, and with just a little planning we can all provide safe havens for local wildlife to feed, breed and hibernate in our gardens. Following the charity’s Big Garden Birdwatch initiative in January, this year the RSPB are looking to inspire more and more people to garden for nature on their doorstep and engage in more wildlife-friendly practices in their garden, balconies and local communities
Ally Lemon, Conservation Officer at the RSPB, said: “No matter the size or type of outdoor space you have, whether it is a rural garden or a city balcony, everyone can help wildlife in their local area.
“There are loads of things people can do to invite wildlife into their outdoor spaces, from planting some wildflowers in flowerpots, putting up some bird boxes or creating a pond. Small steps can give nature a helping hand.”
So far, Dobbies’ podcast series has covered a host of topics, with everything from seasonal spring gardening tips and practical advice for beginners, to growing your own produce and caring for houseplants.
Dobbies products to make your garden wildlife friendly:
Henry Bell Heritage Fat Ball Feeder, £14.99; Henry Bell Decorative Stake Feeder, £19.99;Henry Bell Elegance Nesting Box, £14.99.
