|
·
Peat
is a valuable and finite resource and is not compatible with the
local soils; make your own soils in a compost bin, produce your
own leaf mould and/or identify a local source of manure, mushroom
compost or other peat-free compost.
·
Pesticides
and chemical controls such as slug pellets can also harm other
wildlife. Encourage
the natural predators of your pests such as birds and hedgehogs,
ladybirds and lacewings into your garden and use more natural
control methods such as egg shells or wood ash around your plants
and construct shallow beer traps for the snails and slugs.
·
Nectar-rich
and preferably native plants such as primrose, ivy and honeysuckle
attract butterflies and bees.
Night-scented plants such as night-scented stock and sweet
rocket attract insects and bats.
Birds like all types of berries and seed heads so do not
remove these in the Autumn
·
Don’t
be too tidy; a pile of logs will attract beetles and fungi; leaves
can provide shelter for hedgehogs and areas of longer grass
provide cover for beetles which in turn can keep down garden
pests. Use your grass
cuttings and wood chippings to help control weed growth
·
Ponds
can provide a good habitat but don’t take spawn from the wild.
Wait for the animals to come to you; they usually will.
Ornamental fish look nice but eat the native wildlife such
as dragonfly larvae
·
Bird
habitats can be introduced and enhanced by nesting and roosting
boxes, bird tables and baths and the impact of your cat reduced by
attaching a small bell to its collar.
Natural roosts in ivy and bushes should be maintained and
not disturbed during the breeding season
·
The
procurement of wood and stone for decking and landscaping can be
at the expense of its natural setting.
It is preferable to use materials that would otherwise be
going to waste or that are available locally.
Garden lighting is also fashionable at present but could be
considered wasteful and cause light pollution when used to excess.
The use of tap water for garden watering is also
discouraged and gardeners should look to store run-off from their
property and not be too upset if the garden dries out to the end
of summer; this is natural.
Further
information on:
British wildflowers
www.wildflower.org.uk
Organic
gardening www.organiccatalog.com
Biological
pest control
www.Scarletts.co.uk
Centre
for Wildlife Gardening is at 28 Marsden Road East Dulwich London
SE15 4EE and Tel: 020 7252 9186
An
English Nature booklet “Wildlife Friendly Gardening – a
General Guide” is available through their enquiry desk on 01733
455100 and www.english-nature.org.uk
Organic
gardening and composting: Henry Doubleday Research Association
Tel: 024 76303517 and enquiry@hdra.rg.uk
Other
web sites promoting sustainable practices can be found through
GreenNet at www.gn.apc.org
Visit
www.richmondboroughinbloom.co.uk
regularly for news about the competitions and events throughout
the year.
|
