Make space for nature this summer!
Do something for nature today
#MakeSpaceforNature
What can YOU do for Scotland's nature?
There are many simple things we can all do to help nature, protect our biodiversity and ensure Scotland continues to have a nature-rich future.
Helping nature can also help you - engaging with nature has proven to provide increased benefits to our mental health and well-being, and recent survey results found nature to be a stress reliever for many during lockdown.
Make space for nature - in your garden
Summer is the perfect season to breathe it all in.
As caterpillars transform into butterflies, noisy fledglings seek food from their parents and tadpoles grow into frogs - our busy gardens are brimming with life. Take the time to relax and soak it in, feel the colours, scents and sounds of the season, and follow our tips for a garden that's good for you AND for nature.
Mow less and create a butterfly border. Consider reducing mowing to create an undisturbed wildflower patch, strip or area to encourage wildlife, and when planning your garden try to include plants for pollinators.
Hedge not fence
Hedgerows offer a habitat for wildlife that fences can never match. Consider planting flowering trees and shrubs such as hazel, willow, blackthorn and hawthorn.
Be a citizen scientist from your garden or local area - get involved in this fun way to help the environment. Participate in simple surveys and submit sightings of birds, frogs, butterflies and much more. You really can make a difference.
Love weeds
Duration
00:39
Weeds may have a bad name, but many, such as dandelions, provide an important source of food for all types of pollinators.
Pollinators such as bees and hoverflies are a familiar sight in our gardens, parks and countryside and they play a crucial role in our food and farming industries. Find out more ways to help pollinators.
Provide a pond
Duration
01:01
As well as frogs and toads a pond can attract newts, dragonflies, birds and much more. A pond doesn’t have to be a big outlay, even using an old washing up bowl of water or a deep saucer of water on a windowsill can help.
Adding bird feeders to your garden can really help our feathered friends. Remember to keep them topped up, particularly during this busy time with hungry fledglings needing fed.
Swap and share cuttings
Plants and seeds can be expensive, but for many pollinator friendly species, existing plants can be divided or new plants can be grown from cuttings and shared with friends and neighbours.
Make space for nature - in your life
Taking time to enjoy nature can be easy and is so good for you - whether it's a spot of gardening or continuing to enjoy daily exercise in your local park or greenspace.
Give something back
Volunteer some of your time for nature. Whether it's picking up litter, taking part in organised beach cleans or wildflower planting, or signing up to be a regular volunteer on one of our National Nature Reserves, we can all do something to really make a difference.
There are many resources to help you with volunteering once government restrictions ease and Volunteer Scotland can help with opportunities in your area.
Take learning outdoors
Get the kids outside - particularly during the school holidays - plus you might brush up on your own knowledge too!
Use chalk, obstacle courses, nature ID, paint stones and create a community caterpillar, or build a bug hotel out of logs and leaves. Notice the seasonal changes and get the kids to research what’s happening – fern unfurling, tadpoles changing, pollination, identify fledglings and which birds are singing.
If you don't have a garden consider visiting your local park or greenspace to take learning outdoors. The Outdoor Learning Directory is packed full of resources and ideas to encourage all ages to get learning outdoors.
Enjoy the outdoors responsibly
Scotland’s access rights are unique and are yours to enjoy – as long as you do so responsibly.
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code sets out the simple steps you must take to look after the environment and respect the needs of others working the land or enjoying the outdoors. Advice on camping and dog walking are just some of the topics covered.
