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12th Nov, 2007
Time was when those of us advocating gardening for wildlife were denigrated by both our conservation and gardening colleagues. Things have, however, come a long way since Chris Baines wrote 'How to Make a Wildlife Garden' in 1985, and pioneered, with others, work at garden shows and festivals. How far is, perhaps, indicated by Alan Titchmarsh's recent assertion (in the Urban Wildlife episode of his 'Nature of Britain') that Britain's gardens are, metre for metre, 'the most biodiverse places on Earth'.
Nowadays we have, amongst other things, Sheffield University's BUGS research programme (BUGS = Biodiversity in Urban Gardens) the Wildlife Trusts' partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society, and garden centres full of wildflower seeds, all sorts of curious 'homes' for invertebrates, and bird feeding and nesting products. Recently UWN came across 'A Manifesto for Gardens, People and Nature'. This is the work of 'The Forum for Gardening with Wildlife in Mind'. This Forum has nearly 30 members, including Natural England, the Royal Entomological Society and the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust. (Nobody asked UWN to join.) The Forum wants to 'inspire people to manage gardens for their own health and enjoyment, in ways that also benefit wildlife'.
Curiously in this day and age there is no website to look at. If you want further information contact Steve Berry on 01273 407956, or
steve.berry@naturalengland.co.uk.
In addition there are two major new books on the subject: 'Collins Wildlife Gardner' by Stefan Buczacki and 'Garden Natural History' by the same author in Harper Collins's continuing and excellent New Naturalist Library series. If any one wants to send us a review of these books we can consider posting it here.
In the meantime we can all get on with our own gardening for wildlife safe in the knowledge that, after more than 20 years, the rest of the world seems to be getting the message. The words 'blinding' and 'obvious' come to mind.
