Wildlife gardens

Get inspired to help wildlife in your garden

The United Nations has declared 2010 International Year for Biodiversity, to highlight the unprecedented loss of plant and animal species across the globe. Gardeners in the UK can play an important role in supporting biodiversity, and a visit to an RHS Garden or RHS
Recommended Garden can provide ideas and information to help get you started.

• On 12 May you can join A Walk on the Wild Side exploring how RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex is managed to encourage biodiversity.
• Discover how features such as ponds and wildflower lawns can benefit wildlife by signing up to demonstrations at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey (13 May) and Benington Lordship in Hertfordshire (23 June).
• Look out for self-guided biodiversity trails at the four RHS gardens this summer; or join a Rococo Garden Party in August at Painswick Rococo Garden in Gloucestershire. This three-day event will include a gardeners’ question time, plant-swapping shed and feasts of local produce.
• The National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire, is getting involved on 22 May with events and activities to highlight what the garden is doing for biodiversity.
• Barnsdale Gardens in Rutland and Garden Organic Ryton near Coventry are also good resources: visit for inspiration on how to attract wildlife, including beehives, ponds, and safe hibernating places.
• Search RHS Garden Finder