The Wildlife Community Blog

The familiar flutter of a Peacock or the vibrant flash of a Small Tortoiseshell are cherished sights in British gardens. However, beneath this surface of common beauty lies a stark reality: many of our native butterfly species are in severe decline, with over half facing long-term threats. For the dedicated wildlife gardener, the ambition extends beyond simply attracting common visitors – it involves understanding and contributing to the broader conservation efforts that can bring back even our rarest and most threatened butterflies.

The sight of a hedgehog snuffling through the undergrowth is a joyful one, but behind that charming exterior lies a species facing significant challenges. European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in the UK are now classified as vulnerable to extinction, with populations having suffered alarming declines in recent decades. Understanding their behaviour, particularly their nesting habits, is vital to their survival, and this is where human intervention, through providing artificial homes, can play a transformative role.

National Children’s Gardening Week (NCGW) is a UK-wide campaign that inspires families to enjoy the outdoors together and encourages children to discover the fun and learning that gardening brings. Taking place from Saturday, 24 May to Sunday, 1 June 2025, the week is timed perfectly to coincide with the May half-term, making it an ideal opportunity for schools, families, and communities to connect

World Bee Day is celebrated on 20th May each year, and in 2025, the theme is “Bee Engaged with Youth”. This day is a global reminder of the importance of bees and other pollinators in supporting biodiversity, ecosystems, and our food supply.

May 10th marks the first of two annual celebrations of World Migratory Bird Day — a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the incredible journeys of migratory birds and the challenges they face. This year’s theme, "Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities," highlights the importance of designing environments that support both birds and people.

Celebrating Mother's Day is a cherished tradition, and finding the perfect gift that reflects your mum's love for nature can make the day even more special. If your mother has a passion for wildlife and gardening, choosing eco-friendly and nature-inspired gifts not only brings her joy but also supports the environment she loves.

Creating a wildlife pond in your UK garden is one of the most effective ways to support local biodiversity. A well-designed pond doesn’t just attract amphibians like frogs and toads—it provides a crucial water source for all kinds of creatures.

So, you’ve decided to try to reduce plastic in your garden - but what are the best alternatives? Rubber, especially natural rubber, can be a more sustainable option than plastic for a variety of reasons. 

The Big Garden Birdwatch is back for 2025, offering a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and contribute to the world’s largest garden wildlife survey.

Have you noticed a few less bumblebees buzzing about this year? There’s a reason for that. Bumblebees play a crucial role in pollinating many of the plants that sustain our ecosystems and food supply, but they are facing a serious crisis.