Discover how your garden can become a wildlife haven, with practical tips for creating biodiverse spaces, no matter the size, in a free talk at The Hive.
University of Worcester Senior Lecturer in Biology, Dr Kate Ashbrook, will be sharing her advice on how to make our gardens and green spaces more wildlife friendly and able to support a variety of insects and animals, on Thursday, October 30, from 10am-12pm.
Titled ‘Gardening for Wildlife’, Dr Ashbrook will explain what you should plant to attract and provide for pollinators, like wasps, bees, and moths, and how to encourage natural predators like ladybirds who can keep other garden pests at bay naturally without the need to use chemicals.
“By planting strategically, we can make sure our gardens provide shelter for wildlife all year round,” said Dr Ashbrook. “Even if you don’t have a garden, you can still make a difference. A few pots or a window box with insect-friendly plants can offer a valuable lifeline to pollinators.”
She added: “We have an awful lot of garden space in the UK, it’s about three times the size of Greater London, so every little helps. I want people to think about how planting choices can support that natural balance. By knowing when plants flower or fruit, we can design gardens that provide food for wildlife year-round.”
Dr Ashbrook is Chair of the University’s Biodiversity Steering Group, coordinating biodiversity enhancement on campus. She will also be detailing some of the methods used on the University’s campuses to encourage and support wildlife in recent years, from sowing wildflower seeds to installing bird boxes.
She said: “Cumulatively it does make a massive difference and sometimes, the person making a difference in their garden can inspire their neighbours to do the same.”
The talk is suitable for all levels of gardening experience and is free of charge, but booking is essential.
Visit the County Council website to find out more and book a place: https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/dr-kate-ashbrook-gardening-wildlife