Better planning could help gardens support UK wildlife, study finds
Less than 40% of people are willing to make their gardens more wildlife friendly, a new study has revealed.
Fewer than 40% of people are willing to make their gardens more wildlife friendly, a new study has revealed - but according to scientists, better policies could help protect biodiversity.
Our scientists at the zoo, alongside researchers from Nottingham Trent University, revealed that just over a third of more than 230 householders in Cheshire and North Wales were willing or able to introduce more wildlife-friendly features to their gardens.
The study, recently published in People and Nature, analysed responses from people asked if they would incorporate ponds, ‘overgrown’ areas, hedgehog highways and other features to support wildlife, on top of any already created.
An estimated 88% of UK residents have access to a garden, and as towns and cities expand, these spaces are becoming increasingly important to the survival of native plants and animals.
Researchers surprised by results
Lead researcher Kelly Hitchcock, a PhD student in Nottingham Trent University’s School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, and one of Chester Zoo’s Conservation Scholars said:
“With the amount of promotion you see of these features, like ponds and hedgehog homes, I expected people would be happy to do these things. It was quite surprising how many people weren’t, even when they were pro-nature. There are barriers - sometimes out of their control - which stop them.”
While many studies evidence the positive impact of wildlife-friendly features and products, this is a rare attempt to investigate whether people are implementing them, and if not, why not.
Understanding the barriers
The questionnaire asked people how likely they were to add ten specific wildlife features including log piles, bird baths and compost heaps. The authors analysed why respondents might be reluctant to include them, looking at their capability, opportunity and motivation.
The study showed the biggest barriers were lack of space, concerns about pets and worries about how to build or maintain the feature, while the features least likely to be adopted were compost heaps and ponds. People were most often willing to sow wildflowers.
Kelly said:
“Even if someone wants to rewild their garden it really restricts them if they don’t have the space, and current trends toward hyper-dense housing may be contributing to this.
“The data suggests we can’t rely on individuals to make wildlife friendly changes at the scale that’s needed. These features need to be built into urban planning and policy.”
Policy change and practical action
Dr Leah Williams, Lead Conservation Scientist at Chester Zoo and co-author of the paper, said multi-level policy changes were needed to tackle urban biodiversity loss, which also has physical and mental health implications for humans.
“We’d still encourage people to do what they can, whether that’s planting wild native flowers in a window box, or creating a mini-pond with a bucket will make a difference."
Dr Leah Williams, Lead Conservation Scientist at Chester Zoo and co-author of the paper
She continued:
“You can also look into community schemes, like the Networks for Nature project which aims to link up habitats in Cheshire. Interconnectivity is really important to species and biodiversity should be factored in at every level.”
The team hopes the research will encourage greater consideration of biodiversity in urban planning, while inspiring people to take whatever steps they can to support local wildlife.
