With over 1 million acres of garden in the UK, garden owners have a fantastic opportunity to reverse the trend of biodiversity loss we are currently experiencing.

Optimising your garden for maximum biodiversity can be achieved in several ways:

• add a pond, preferably in a sunny spot and not directly under trees
• create a compost heap - great for invertebrates which are good for birds
• stop using any pesticides and consider a more organic approach to pest control
• plant more pollen and nectar rich flowers [list to follow...]
• create a log pile or twig pile
• improve access by making a hole in any solid fences or dig a hole under your wall to allow creature passage
• make a bee home [resources to follow...]
• introduce climbers, vertical spaces are important also for biodiversity
• allow some wildflowers to go about their business, not all weeds are a problem, and most support insect populations and are evolving in concert with the wider ecology. Let them go to seed.
• leave dead braches in trees where safe as they provide habitat for burrowing insects
• leave some areas of soil undisturbed to allow development of soil biota especially fungus
• try to plant 'natives', ideally of local provenance (from local seed stock) they will be well adapted and support a host of species
• be aware of nocturnal activity and avoid disturbing creatures at work in your garden
• never prune flowers or berries, leave them a food sources
• if you are short of planting space (e.g. patios, paved areas) then consider container plants