Leugh ann an Gàidhlig / Read in Gaelic
We’ve already lost nearly 25% of our wildlife in Scotland, but more than half of us want to do more to help nature. Spring is a wonderful season to put these intentions into action and build appreciation of the natural world into daily life.
Taking collective action will help reverse nature loss and fight climate change, ensuring a healthier and greener Scotland. Tune into our podcast series for more ways to Make Space For Nature.
1. Help our feathered friends
Birds are busy building the perfect homes for their chicks. Help them out by leaving natural nest-building debris such as twigs and moss lying around, and not pruning bushes containing nests. You may have space for bird feeders and a bird nest box. Once you have birds in your nest boxes, it's important not to disturb them.
2. Go peat-free
Digging up peat to use in a garden destroys wildlife and releases carbon into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change and increasing flooding in areas where it's dug up. Help conserve Scotland’s most vital carbon store by using peat-free garden products. Simply check packets to ensure they're peat-free.
3. Keep it natural
If you have a garden leave some areas wild, and hold off cutting grass until late spring, after the dandelions have flowered but before they set seed. Help alleviate flooding by avoiding artificial grass, paving or decking. Reduce hosepipe use - capture and store rainwater in water butts to ensure a sufficient water supply. Potted plants and window boxes are a great addition if no garden is available.
9. Provide water for wildlife
Frogs, toads and newts all wake-up from hibernation in the spring to search for homes and mates, and they thrive in garden ponds. As well as amphibians, a pond can attract insects such as dragonflies, birds and many more species, for drinking, resting and bathing. If a pond isn't possible, even using an old washing up bowl of water or a deep saucer of water on a windowsill can help.
10. Feed the locals
Keep feeders regularly topped up and remember to provide water too. To attract a range of garden birds try putting out seed mixes, sunflower hearts, meal worms, soft apples and pears, and even mild grated cheese. Avoid bread, and at this time of year stay away from offering peanuts and fat as these can be a choking hazard, potentially causing harm if adult birds feed them to their young.
