Biodiversity
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Biodiversity is the term that refers to the amazing variety of plants and animals that exist throughout the world. Biodiversity is not just about rare and threatened animals and plants, but includes every species from the commonplace to the critically endangered. Biodiversity is important to look at as well as being vital spiritually, culturally and commercially.
Our biodiversity has significantly declined in recent decades, and continues to decline at an alarming rate. Key wildlife habitats have been lost through a combination of factors including intensive agriculture, road and housing development and neglect. Many of the plants and animals which depended on these habitats have also disappeared. A large number of these species are known to be rare, declining or under threat on a national or local level.
A Greenprint and biodiversity strategy has been developed with help from Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust for the North East Derbyshire District Council area. The purpose of these is to highlight important species and habitats for protection in North East Derbyshire. These important documents provide a framework for the conservation of biodiversity for action by community groups, landowners, farmers, businesses and the Councils.
There are several ways that you can contribute to the preservation of our biodiversity:
Garden for Biodiversity
Why not become a wildlife friendly gardener? Just by making a few small alterations to the way you garden you can have really positive effects on local wildlife.
- Become an organic gardener - make your own compost from garden and vegetable kitchen waste. Use compost instead of artificial fertilisers. (Instead of using pesticides, encourage natural predators into your garden like hedgehogs, slow worms and thrushes.) For information on how to get the most out of home composting and compost bin discount offers, contact us on the Clean and Green Neighbourhoods hotline or visit our composting page.
- Cover fences with climbing plants such as ivy, clematis and honeysuckle - this will provide a place for birds and insects to hide, hibernate and forage for food.
- Plant some native shrubs - for example, hawthorn, blackthorn, spindle, hazel, holly, dog rose, guelder rose and cotoneaster. These will provide homes and food for all sorts of wildlife. See below for details of our annual Free Tree Scheme
- Leave out food and water for birds - nuts, seeds, fat and kitchen scraps provide healthy meals for a variety of birds.
- Hedgehogs love to eat dog food and drink water - don't put out bread and milk as this is very bad for the hedgehogs health.
- Create a wood pile (of logs, branches and twigs), or a stone pile as a shelter for insects. It doesn't need to be very big!
- Encourage butterflies in to your garden by planting buddleia, ice-plant and lavender. Butterflies thrive in nettle patches. If you have any clumps of nettles that can be left alone, this will make a great nesting patch for some species.
- Consider growing your own fruit and vegetables. Allotments are often available in your area. Contact your local Council or Parish Council. Or live the 'good life' and grow them in your own garden.
- Keep part of your lawn 5-10 cm high; this provides a valuable feeding area for thrushes, starlings and pied wagtails, and a home for frogs and toads. When you mow your lawn, always remember to check the area first for animals and move them away!
- Dig a pond or put in a water feature. Both of these will attract lots of wildlife into your garden. Frogs, toads, insects such as dragon-flies and pond skaters and birds will all be attracted by water in your garden. You may even see great-crested newts, which are quite common in this area. If you have young children, remember to put netting over your pond or water feature where possible, and do not let them near the water unattended.
- Grow your own Christmas tree instead of buying one. If you do buy a real tree, buy one that has been sourced locally and from sustainable woodland! Some trees lend themselves to being replanted in your garden, which means you can use the same tree more than once.
Buying for Biodiversity
By thinking carefully about the products you buy you can also have an effect on global biodiversity.
- Avoid buying hardwoods.
- Buy only sustainable sourced timber products with accreditation (for example those supported by the FSC - Forest Stewardship Council)
- Do not buy peat based products as the peat is taken from fragile habitats.
- Buy seeds and plants that are native and have been grown in this country.
- Where you can, buy organic food, which is produced in harmony with nature.
- Buy locally sourced food items such as British beef and lamb and not food that has been transported over long distances.
- When on holiday avoid buying products that have been produced from local wildlife, for example, coral necklaces or starfish ornaments.
Support for Biodiversity
Your support for biodiversity conservation is also essential. There are many organisations which you can join such as, Derbyshire Woodland Trust World Wildlife Fund, British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, RSPB, the National Trust and the Woodland Tust that are working towards the protection and enhancement of biodiversity. If you're feeling energetic you can even get involved in one of the many practical conservation projects that happen regularly around the country. Contact your local branch for more information on how to get involved.
Free Tree Scheme
Free saplings (tree and hedgerow species) are available on an annual basis to schools, Parish Councils, community groups and North East Derbyshire residents through the East Derbyshire Woodland Project and North East Derbyshire District Council's Free Tree Scheme. Applications are invited to obtain up to 75 plants (though this number can vary from year to year) for areas where the saplings will enhance conservation, improve appearance and benefit the public. More more information on the Free Tree Scheme will be available again in Autumn 2008. For more information contact us on the number below.
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