It's nearly gardening time again!
If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, the mild weather might get you out gardening a bit earlier this year. Here are a couple of things you probably know already, but are always worth keeping in mind to protect our native wetlands and wildlife.
Peat-free compost Using peat-free compost is really important for the UK’s wetlands. Peat bogs hold much more carbon in the soil than even rainforests and, when destroyed, they take centuries to reform. They are home to thousands of different plants and insects. Our peat uplands also store water and release it slowly, which helps to protect our lowland cities and towns from flooding.
There is loads of advice on the internet, including these columns from the Telegraph, the BBC, and the Royal Horticultural Society.
Invasive species Look carefully at any pretty pond plants you buy. Native ones are of course great for wildlife. But virile tropical species like parrot’s feather or water hyacinth can take over your pond. When thrown away, they can survive and, if they get into local waterbodies, can starve the native wildlife of oxygen and light.
You can help slow down the invasion by choosing and disposing of plants carefully, and cleaning seeds and eggs from aquatic equipment before moving it to another water body – especially if you also enjoy fishing, boating or watersports.
