GARDENS – MINI NATURE RESERVES

Gardens are important places for wildlife, as woodlands and wildflower meadows are becoming damaged or disappearing. The UK’s 15m gardens cover around 270,000 hectares – an area greater than all our designated National Nature Reserves put together. In 2005, the Wildlife Trusts and the Royal Horticultural Society conducted a survey to find out more about garden wildlife, as part of the Wild about Gardens initiative. Over 2,000 people responded and the creature which topped the poll of favourites was the hedgehog, closely followed by birds.
The robin came in at number three followed by frogs, butterflies, blackbirds and blue tits. The final places in the top ten went to ladybirds, bees and squirrels.  Whilst the hedgehog may have topped the poll, the fact that so many birds were listed in the top ten suggests that they are the most popular group of creatures that visit our gardens. In total, bird species accounted for almost fifty percent of all the votes cast.
Species were chosen because they were considered pretty, colourful or entertaining to watch, suggesting that people connect with wildlife that uses their gardens and like creatures that enhance their enjoyment of the outdoors.
Almost all respondents believed that ‘gardeners should do more to support wildlife’ and that ‘gardeners can come to the rescue of species in decline’. The survey results helped to dispel the myth that gardening for wildlife means a messy and unsightly garden. Small gardens can be just as rich in wildlife as large ones and those in built up areas can be of equal value to those in the suburbs.
Notts Wildlife Trust is promoting ‘Attracting Wildlife to your garden in Rushcliffe’. If you would like a pack of leaflets about wildlife gardening, email your address to Gordon Dyne at
gordon.dyne@mypostoffice.co.uk or write to 29 Westerham Road, Ruddington, Nottingham, NG11 6DP.