Wild About Gardens

Over the past 50 years, we’ve seen declines in two thirds of the UK’s plant and animal species, for a range of reasons, including loss of habitat. Many of our once-regular garden visitors – hedgehogs, house sparrows and common frogs, for example – are much less common. 

But together we can make a difference. Our gardens and green spaces have tremendous potential to support wildlife – join our campaign to turn the UK’s estimated 30 million gardens into a network of mini nature reserves. Each year, we explore a theme that inspires action for an animal or habitat that needs our help.

Helen Bostock, RHS Senior Wildlife Specialist, says:

“We’d like people to open their garden gates to hoverflies this summer. These incredible insects help pollinate our plants, keep aphids in balance and break down rotting matter in the garden. Gardeners can help attract them by planting open, easily accessible flowers. In spring, they’ll be drawn to aubretia. In summer, they’ll love blackberry flowers, oxeye daisy, marigolds, fennel, cow parsley and poppies. Come autumn, they can be seen on heather, aster and even common ivy.”