There are several reasons why we might want to encourage wildlife to share our allotments and gardens with us. We might be concerned for the environment given that the UK is one of the least environmentally diverse countries in Europe. We might remember the joy nature brought us as children or when we lived or visited somewhere more rural. We might feel we have a moral obligation to share the earth more fairly with other species.
Doing more to encourage wildlife to thrive doesn't mean changing everything we do as gardeners; according to the Woodland Trust “Biodiverse gardens support a greater number and range of insects, bees and butterflies. Planting just a few more pollinator-friendly plants can make a real difference in fighting climate change and species loss”.
While the Royal Horticultural Society tells us “Sharing our gardens with nature brings joy to an increasing number of gardeners. A rich diversity of plant and animal species will live happily alongside people, needing only a little helping hand from us. Discover what you can do to make your outside space a haven for wildlife”. They provide lots of information - see the links below:
We might feel none of the emotions or concerns described in the opening paragraph - in which case this advice from the National Allotment Society might be more persuasive “Supporting wildlife doesn't just help the environment—it benefits your allotment by improving pollination, reducing pests, and creating a balanced ecosystem. Here's how you can make your allotment wildlife-friendly this winter:
In case you've caught the bug (sorry, terrible pun!) after visiting those websites, here's a list of some places in London you might also enjoy visiting and where you'll find more ideas for encouraging wildlife to thrive on your allotment and in your garden too: