Our gardens are not just for us

We love our gardens. They are extensions of our living space and a way of connecting with nature and the outdoors. But they are also shared spaces—habitats for other living beings. As much as I like to keep these blogs light, there are some uncomfortable truths we need to acknowledge.

The UK is among the most nature-depleted countries in Europe, with severe long-term biodiversity loss and heavily fragmented ecosystems. As a former beekeeper, I naturally gravitate to this example: both bees and butterflies have experienced significant declines, with around a third to half of species showing reductions in abundance or range. Roughly 30–40% of wild bee species are in decline, with a smaller proportion at risk of extinction, while butterflies show similar trends, with nearly half of species declining.

While broader policy change is necessary, there is still a great deal we can do at garden level—no matter how small the space.

Just as we do not thrive on a monotonous diet, pollinators benefit from a wide range of nectar and pollen sources. Including plant genera such as Allium, Eryngium, Echinops, Origanum, Salvia, and Knautia can significantly increase the ecological value of a garden while remaining highly ornamental. For a full list of beneficial plants, see here:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/science/articles/plants-for-pollinators-update

Even small, simple features make a difference. A pile of logs or branches in a quiet corner or under a hedge can provide winter shelter for small mammals, maybe even hedgehogs—once common visitors to our gardens, now in serious decline.

Reducing chemical use, or replacing it where possible with cultural and organic approaches, also has a significant impact on local biodiversity.

In larger spaces, sowing a patch of wildflower meadow or allowing part of a lawn to grow freely can provide vital habitat for many different beings. A more contentious idea, perhaps, but worth considering: while formal gardens rely on a sense of order, leaving a small, tucked-away area to develop more freely can be hugely beneficial. Nature, left to its own devices, often creates the richest habitat. A patch of nettles can support butterfly larvae, thistles provide seed for birds, and dense, self-sown thickets offer shelter for insects, small mammals, and nesting birds.

With relatively little effort, each of us can make a meaningful contribution. On behalf of our wildlife, I would invite you to consider leaving that one quiet corner of your garden a little wilder.