As you would have no doubt seen in the press or over social media, Planet Earth and in particular the natural world is under immense environmental pressure. From the rainforests to the oceans, we are seeing impact on a global scale. You would be forgiven for thinking there is not too much you can do to influence change on an individual level other than maintain your good recycling practices, reducing your consumption and choosing pathways that have a more sustainable impact.

Luckily, new ideas are continually being developed. One of the more recent suggestions to support animal and plant life on a local level is rewilding green space. Not only is this becoming more and more popular with local municipals, often alongside roads or in local parks, but gaining traction (if you are fortunate to have your own garden area) to add to your own green space at home.

Timing is crucial, with the best time to set upon this challenge being at the beginning of autumn when the rain gods are more plentiful and the ground wetter, allowing for easier planting and settling before blooming into life come spring.

If you’re looking to take on the challenge and are open to giving up some of your own space for the birds and the bees, amongst other insects, alongside those unruly looking wildflowers, then look no further. Here are a few tips to help you along your way:

Building a pond

Ponds attract a great deal of insects and even amphibians. Not necessarily needing to be built to any great depth or circumference, you will hopefully be able to create one of these over a weekend. Other than a spade, you’ll need a designated space, pond liner (preferably made of Butyl rubber), some pond plants, a variety of different sized rocks/pebbles, sand and lastly a source of water. To be even more eco-friendly, you could of course wait for the rainfall, or use that water saved in your water butt.

A sunny zone is best, and aim to build with a sloping edge. Shallow areas leading into greater depth is ideal for wildlife. Once dug, lay the hole with sand, or even some old carpet. Dig a trench and lay with your liner, tucking it into the edge of the trench and cut off any loose bits. Line with a few rocks and fill the bottom with sand.

Fill the pond up using collected rainwater or tap water via your hose. If the latter, aim the nozzle towards the sheet so it absorbs the energy and wait for it to fill. If there is an exposed lining at the top, fill with soil and a few flat stones.

Watch the pond come to life…..

If using hose water you should let the water, settle for 1-2 weeks before introducing plants native to your area. A plank of wood leading to the pond is also handy for any insects that accidently fall in. Once completed the pond shouldn’t need too much maintenance other than removing dead organic matter.

Let your grass grow

On the assumption you don’t have hectares of garden, another good way to support your rewilding project is to let your grass grow. Now whilst this is probably unrealistic in the sense of not wanting your entire lawn to look that way, letting small parts of your lawn grow can make the world of difference to the little locals in your area. Long grass supports all sorts of insect from small moths to different insect’s larvae.

Tall stem flowers, rich in nectar bunched in in a confined area and planting wildflower seeds will attract birds, bees and other insects once grown. Bug hotels have become ever more common, and having one in the middle of your flowering collection will attract permanent summer residents. Bird feeders nearby will also be beneficial.

Ensure what you plant is suited to your area, but by visiting the local garden centre and asking for advice, you will surely be pointed in the correct direction.

Neighbourhoods

Finally, if you are on friendly terms with your neighbours, consider a hedge instead of a fence. Work with them and open up small corridors between each garden allowing wildlife to travel between each, diversifying the creatures that visit and make your garden their temporary or permanent home.

By doing so you will be supporting your local wildlife to live a life of abundance, giving endangered species a fighting chance.

All the while you can sit back, feet up having a drink any day of the week, watching your garden and its new residents going about their daily lives.

Now that would be beautiful….