Ulster Wildlife is encouraging everyone to give back to nature this year by sharing their gardens with wildlife.
The’ Let Nature In’ call comes as one in ten species in Northern Ireland is at risk of extinction. Many of our much-loved common garden visitors – including hedgehogs, house sparrows, starlings and common frogs – are under threat. Pressure from habitat loss, pesticide use, and now the climate emergency, is taking a heavy toll.
Across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, it is estimated that there are 24 million gardens in total. Combined, they make up more land than all of the UK’s nature reserves and, according to the charity, have an enormous potential to help nature recover.
Dawn Miskelly, Director of Engagement at Ulster Wildlife, said:
“With nature in trouble, it’s so important that we use every single space to give wildlife a fighting chance, including our gardens. Gardens are a crucial part of the jigsaw puzzle, acting as stepping stones and green corridors for wildlife to move between larger wild spaces.
“Your garden doesn’t have to be a wild and messy jungle for wildlife to thrive; it can be a mosaic of mini habitats that come together to create a beautiful space, for both people and wildlife.
“Whether you’ve a large garden or tiny balcony, everybody can play their part – collectively we can do so much to give nature a boost and now’s the time to get started!”
The charity is arming the public with advice, insights and inspiration they need to make space for nature throughout the year.
