Gardeners could use plants to attract wildlife, say experts

One in three gardeners thought enticing wildlife should be a priority, but only half those questioned believed they did something about it.

The Mori survey, commissioned by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) comes as the annual Chelsea Flower Show prepares to open its gates this week.

Together with the Wildlife Trusts, the society will be bringing their campaign for biodiversity in gardening to the show.

Nest boxes

Some 70% of respondents thought wildlife should be considered when creating or maintaining gardens, yet only have those questioned thought they were doing enough.

Feeding trays and nest boxes are commonly used by gardeners, but few - 16% - thought to use plants to encourage birds and other wildlife, the survey found.

Some 38% of gardeners wanted more information on introducing wildlife

Nearly two in five gardeners admitted that with more information they would do more to encourage wildlife.

The survey quizzed a sample of 1,885 adults across Britain.

The RHS and The Wildlife Trusts will be fronting a Lifelong Learning marquee at this week's Chelsea Flower Show to illustrated to gardeners that they do not need a wilderness to attract wildlife.

A new website designed to inform gardeners about the value of plants for wildlife - www.wildaboutgardens.org - will also be launched at the show.

Size doesn't matter

Christopher Weddell, senior horticulturist at the RHS, said: "The RHS is here to help and to bring the biodiversity debate to people's back garden doorsteps, with practical information from soil nutrition to the value of plants for biodiversity."

He pointed out that using non-native plants could be more useful in fostering biodiversity.

"It is the range and mixture of plants in a garden, not its size or location, which is of greater importance," he added.

RHS experts have previously said that as the British countryside changes, gardens have become increasingly important habitats for biodiversity.

Experts agreed that the size of garden is irrelevant.