14 ways to help nature this summer
Leugh ann an Gàidhlig / Read in Gaelic
Connecting with nature brings happiness, improves our well-being, and inspires us to protect wildlife. Given the urgency of climate change and nature loss, this bond is vital for meaningful change.
This summer commit to making space for nature each week: pick practical actions from the list below, or make up your own; listen to birds, smell flowers, photograph insects, recall cherished outdoor memories, practise mindfulness or listen to our podcasts outside. Engaging with nature brings us closer to it.
1. Go natural
Help alleviate flooding by avoiding using artificial grass, paving or decking. Artificial grass blocks access to soil for insects and birds, has no climate benefits and isn't actually maintenance-free. Make the best use of rainwater and reduce hosepipe use by capturing and storing rain in water butts - use it for washing cars, bikes, or external bins too.
2. Create corridors
Add flowering pots or window boxes to encourage pollinators. If you have a garden reduce mowing to create an undisturbed wildflower patch, otherwise encourage your council to do the same at suitable greenspaces. These create natural corridors for wildlife to move through towns and cities, and will continue to be important as our climate changes.
4. Start small
Many plants do well in containers such as window boxes, pots and hanging baskets. Herbs such as lavender, rosemary, sage and thyme are popular with pollinators, and brighten life up!
5. Hedge not fence
Hedgerows offer a habitat that fences can't match. Plant flowering trees and shrubs such as hazel, willow, blackthorn and hawthorn - these also allow wildlife to move through gardens.
6. 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.
7. Be a lazy gardener
Allow vegetation to dieback naturally - leave twigs, leaves and natural debris as shelter for insects and other wildlife. Leave seedheads - a food source for birds and homes for insects.
8. Freshen it up
Feeding birds is most beneficial between autumn and spring when natural food can be scarce. If feeding outside of these times, move feeders around to prevent waste build-up and clean them every few days. Keep water fresh and give bowls and bird baths a regular clean. Window feeders are a great way to observe local birds, especially without a garden, and planting flowers to attract insects or adding mealworms to feeders are good ways to help birds in summer.
9. Feed the soil
63% of the total carbon locked in our soil is found in our peatlands - help conserve them by using only peat-free garden products. Use local farmyard manures and composts, or make your own. Avoid pesticides – great alternatives are available. Take a closer look, observe the wee beasties helping recycle our waste, control pests, and keep the nutrient cycle running.
10. Litter pick
When outdoors take a bag and pair of gloves and, where safe to do so, dispose of litter you find. Whether in our oceans, parks, rivers, or woods, it's dangerous to wildlife - animals get trapped or try to eat it. Much of our waste doesn’t biodegrade so will stay in our natural environment for years! Get neighbours, friends and family involved and clean up your area.
11. Provide water
Ponds attract wildlife such as frogs, bees, newts, and birds, and also help sustainably manage water in intense rainfall. A pond doesn’t have to be a big outlay, even using a washing up bowl of water or saucer of water on a windowsill can help. Keep it clean, and add twigs or stones for somewhere insects can rest above water.
12. Explore underwater
With 41% of Scotland’s population living within 5km of the coast, there’s likely a great rock pooling site near you. Walk or cycle your net and buckets to the water’s edge and see what you can find hiding between the rocks. Remember to put anything back you find.
13. Be a citizen scientist
Get involved in this fun way to help your favourite wildlife. Submit sightings of birds, frogs, butterflies and more to let us know where wildlife is (and isn’t) and contribute to biodiversity and climate change research. Find something suitable on our list of projects.
14. Volunteer near and far
This can be a fun way to make a difference, meet new friends and get outdoors. Find out more about our volunteering opportunities, or search on the Volunteer Scotland website. Take inspiration from projects helping communities manage their local green spaces or start your own.
