Wildlife in Gardens
A wide variety of insects and other invertebrate animals, birds, mammals and amphibians can be found in gardens if they are provided with a suitable environment. The biodiversity of a garden can be enhanced by growing a mixture of cultivated and native plants which will provide food, shelter and nesting/breeding sites. This leaflet describes the principal habitats found in gardens and suggests ways in which their usefulness to wildlife can be improved. The principles described in this leaflet are demonstrated in Royal Horticultural Society Gardens, where wildlife adds to the interest and enjoyment of the gardens.
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A summary of RHS policy
1) The RHS recognises and actively promotes the valuable contribution that gardens make to wildlife, believing that with thoughtful management it is possible to enhance the wildlife potential in any garden without compromising the gardener’s enjoyment of it.
2) The RHS actively supports the fostering of local biodiversity in gardens, by promoting knowledge of a wide range of native fauna and wild flower species, their ecology and conservation.
3) The RHS promotes the discriminating use of chemical pesticides, mindful of their possible detrimental effects on wildlife.
4) The RHS adopts and demonstrates these policies in the management of its own Gardens and, through its advisory services and website, provides advice on gardening with wildlife in mind.