Gardeners are often desperate to clean up their lawns as soon as spring rolls around. However, experts are warning Brits about some of the common gardening jobs which could be having a negative impact on wildlife.
Ecologists from Arbtech have shared why constant weeding can be detrimental to your garden. A spokesperson from Arbtech said: “We have certainly seen an increase in those interested in increasing biodiversity in their gardens, which is something we encourage among anyone with outdoor space. “There are really simple changes you can make to create a more wildlife friendly garden, including leaving natural waste for nesting materials and avoiding weeding too much.”
When it comes to weeding, the expert said: “Although many gardeners like to stay on top of their weed-removal, they are actually getting rid of an invaluable source of nectar, seeds, shelter and nest sites for insects and birds.
“Leaving a wild patch in your garden rather than killing off all weeds could make a big difference to your garden’s ecosystem and encourage new wildlife.”
Other mistakes include using slug pellets or inhumane methods like glue traps for capturing pests.
The spokesperson said: “We are also issuing a warning for Brits to check their sheds for any old slug repellents, and to throw them away if they contain metaldehyde.
“Storing or using these pellets is illegal in the UK, so make sure there are none hiding at the back of your shed.”
The experts shared that glue traps are also illegal for public use, and anyone experiencing pests should avoid inhumane traps at all costs, especially when they could capture other wildlife like hedgehogs or birds.
They were also made illegal for rodent control, and can only be used by professional pest controllers who hold a license which states the action is required for public health or safety, the spokesperson adds.
There are pros and cons of having weeds in your garden, weeds damage gardens in many ways – they first compete with plants for water and nutrients, then they steal nutrients from our garden plants as they grow.
Nutrient and water competition can limit plant development, impair immune systems, and reduce harvests.
But while they may not exactly be easy on the eye, weeds provide vital food and shelter for your garden wildlife, so knowing how to rewild a garden is an important consideration if you want to encourage wildlife to your green space.
