for wildlife gardens

Community gardens with a wildlife-friendly ethos are set to enjoy a fresh funding boost in 2021. DIY retailer Homebase is pledging to support community gardeners with its Great British Green Up campaign, which aims to establish a network of gardening projects nationwide, boosting biodiversity by supporting one local project in every region.

“Biodiversity is about bringing trees, plants and animals together for the benefit the environment,” says campaign spokesman Danny Clarke (right). “There are lots of ways we can encourage wildlife into our

gardens. If we all do one small thing it will make a fantastic difference to the environment.”

Danny’s tips to boost biodiversity include: 1. Don’t be so tidy!

Leave part of the garden a bit scruffy and create log piles as a home for hedgehogs. 2. Don’t mow your lawn too short, or create an area of

long grass. Bees rely on clover and other lawn flowers that are cut off by regular mowing.

3. Plant a tree. Even a small tree or large shrub will create shelter and food for garden birds. 4. Grow as many different

flowers as you can. Boost the colour and fragrance in your garden – bees and butterflies will love it, especially buddleia. 5. Make your own compost.

Recycling garden waste and veg peelings creates nutritious ‘black gold’ – keeping plants strong and healthy. l If your local community garden would like to apply for project support, contact Homebase at community@ homebase.co.uk