Between 25 and 31 October, gardeners and community groups across Britain will unite in an effort to halt the decline of UK species.
Hedgehog numbers have reduced by a third since the millennium and tortoiseshell butterflies, once common in gardens, have declined by 77% (State of Nature Report, 2013).
The RHS and The Wildlife Trusts (TWT) are spearheading a new initiative to help halt declines such as these, and are calling on the public to get involved in Wild About Gardens Week.
Chris Baines, vice president of The Wildlife Trusts, said: "The nation’s gardens are hugely important for wildlife and as a habitat network they are second to none”.
"There are many simple ways in which we can make our gardens naturally richer.
"Nest boxes, birdfeeders, log piles, nectar plants, fruiting shrubs, wall climbers and ponds provide valuable habitat; and, as each of us improves our garden for wildlife, the plants and animals that we attract bring more pleasure in return. It’s a win-win situation."
The RHS and TWT have teamed up to raise awareness and are urging the public to get involved throughout Wild About Gardens Week as talks and events will be held at the four RHS Gardens and TWT visitor centres.
There will also be wildflower seed giveaways by TWT and the public will be asked to ‘Do One Thing’ – whether this is to create a pond, build a hedgehog house or simply put out bird seed.
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