The Swan Centre in Leatherhead recently received a prestigious Green Apple Award, recognising its strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. A key focus was its efforts to enhance biodiversity in the town. To support pollinating insects and enrich the local ecosystem, the Centre installed 16 colourful planters along the Mall. It also introduced water butts to maintain flowerbeds efficiently while conserving water. Last summer, the Centre hosted a community event inviting locals and visitors to build bug hotels, further promoting biodiversity and urban green spaces in Leatherhead.
Why not follow the Swan Centre’s example and create wildlife-friendly spaces this summer? It doesn’t have to be complicated. Even small changes can have a big impact. If you’re keen to invite more nature into your garden, try these three simple but effective ideas:
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Make water available – Water is essential for all living things. A simple bird bath, shallow dish, or even a small pond can become a crucial lifeline for wildlife, especially during hot spells or dry weather.
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Plant trees if you can – Trees not only provide shelter and food for birds, insects, and mammals, but they also offer wider benefits like reducing noise, preventing flooding, and helping combat climate change.
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Leave part of your garden wild – You don’t need to turn your whole space into a jungle, but allowing a corner, border, or even a single planter to grow a little wilder can create a valuable habitat for insects and other creatures.
If you’d like to build your own bug hotel, the RSPB offers a simple step-by-step guide you can follow. The Woodland Trust also provides a helpful resource that explains the benefits of different materials and how they support local wildlife.
Congratulations to the Swan Centre for its outstanding commitment to biodiversity and sustainability. We are delighted to present the Leading the Way badge in recognition of their recent achievement in receiving the prestigious Green Apple Award. We are also awarding the Nature and Biodiversity badge for their efforts in making urban spaces more welcoming to wildlife.
