Why it's time to go wild this summer
In a bid to support nature, conservationist David Attenborough has called for Britain to ‘go wild once a week’. Georgie Duckworth finds out how to do it and why now is the perfect time to make a start
The hugely popular BBC series Wild Isles, presented by David Attenborough, highlighted how British wildlife is in crisis, buckling under the combined strains of habitat loss, climate change and a variety of other acute threats.
The legendary conservationist, 97, sent out a rallying cry, encouraging the British public to come together to do what they can on their own doorsteps.
“There is a lot that people can do,” says Ben McCarthy, head of nature at the National Trust. “You could do anything from encouraging a little more wildness into your own garden, balcony or windowsill, to volunteering with a community green-space project.” Matt Manners from the RSPB agrees. “The Wild Isles series showed us how much amazing wildlife we have to celebrate here in the UK, but it also shone a spotlight on how many species are at risk. This means that every step we take to welcome wildlife to our urban spaces becomes that much more important.
“A saucer of water on a doorstep can be a lifesaver for a thirsty hedgehog and a lavender plant on a balcony could provide vital food for pollinators.”
For more tips, you can visit rspb.org.uk/natureonyourdoorstep.
GET STARTED
Spring and summer are the perfect seasons to start. This is when nature is at its most active and visible, plus warmer weather makes getting outside more appealing.
Summer may feel like a period of tranquillity but nature still needs help.
“Our wildlife needs help year-round, including in the spring and summer,” says Ben.
“Supplying a source of food and water, especially during dry periods, and creating wilder habitat zones can be a lifeline for local wildlife.”
Indeed, nature is quick to respond at this time of year – provide water and you’ll likely see birds drinking and bathing there within a few days.
And if you resist the urge to mow the lawn regularly, bees and other pollinators will swiftly come to investigate lawn flowers growing there.
Taking action to help nature may not just benefit your wild garden visitors.
A recent study led by the University of York showed that spending time doing outdoor, nature-based activities improves mood and reduces anxiety.
“Compelling evidence shows that bringing nature into our lives is really good for us. After all, who doesn’t get a sense of joy when they see a butterfly floating past?” says Ben.
WHERE TO GO WILD
Any outdoor area can become a wildlife haven, no matter where or what it is. Rural and urban, garden and balcony, park and pavement – green spaces of all shapes and sizes have a part to play.
Even if you feel that access to green space in your area is limited there are still plenty of opportunities to go wild, either individually or as part of a wider community project.
In fact, as Ben explains, urban areas are especially important.
“Given the high floral diversity and longer flowering season in towns and cities, urban green spaces are especially important for wildlife.
“Many species, such as bumblebees, now have a higher concentration in urban areas than rural.”
CREATE HABITATS
Leave grass to grow: Leaving all or part of your lawn to grow allows for a wider variety of plants, such as