Increasing Biodiversity and maintaining our wild species.

Biodiversity– the Council has a duty to conserve and enhance biodiversity and must consider what policies, objectives, and action it can take, consistent with the exercise of its functions, to further the general biodiversity objective. Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, s.40 & Environment Act 202, s.102

Things to do to encourage biodiversity in your garden during the Winter-

Feed the birds with peanuts, sunflower hearts, seeds and fat balls. Clean feeders and bird tables regularly.

Provide water – a bird bath or pond ensuring it doesn’t freeze over when very cold

Leave areas of leaves and twigs or overgrown grass for insects and toads

Create log or stone piles or build an insect hotel!

Consider leaving plants unpruned with seed heads intact.

Avoid chemicals for obvious reasons!

Check bonfires for hedgehogs and small animals before lighting.

Plant winter flowering honeysuckle, hellebores and Mahonia or native trees with winter berries.

Mulch flower beds to insulate soil but leave bare patch for solitary bees to bury and hide in.

Leave hedge trimming until Jan/Feb as they provide cosy places for insects when wet and cold

Create nesting sites- bird and bat boxes- clean out bird boxes just before spring

Reduce artificial lighting in garden as it disrupts nocturnal animals during winter in particular

Join the working group or autumn project to clear and plant in the community gardens

Take a look at the photographs on our website.

https://www.plaistowandifold-pc.gov.uk/the-drive-ifold-bus-stop-conservation-project

Phase 2 maintenance of the area will involve initially cutting down and clearing away the vegetation growth to reduce the fertility of the soil. This encourages biodiversity and over time further species will grow in the area. Natural processes may need a little help from the Biodiversity Working Group.