David Attenborough has called on gardeners to ditch one widespread habit in order to safeguard wildlife in their outdoor areas this summer.
The renowned natural historian and broadcaster, whose voice is arguably among the most recognisable in the UK, has focused his attention on the hidden ecosystems found in backyards and gardens across the UK in David Attenborough’s Secret Garden, which was shown on BBC One.
In the programme, the cherished presenter and environmentalist, who recently marked his 100th birthday, describes gardens – from compact patches to impressively large plots – as “magical places”, with some being “almost as diverse as a tropical rainforest”.
British gardens can provide a temporary refuge for essential pollinators such as bumblebees, honeybees, wasps, drone flies, ladybirds, beetles and more; while also offering safe shelter to hedgehogs in both urban and rural locations, resting places for birds, and a vast array of other creatures large and small.
Throughout the series, Attenborough shares his extensive experience and knowledge with viewers in an effort to help people transform their gardens into more wildlife-friendly spaces.
There’s a range of top tips available but one might come as a bit of a surprise – Attenborough recommends putting away the lawnmower.
View 2 ImagesLeaving a section of your lawn unmowed could help wildlife to thrive (stock image)(Image: Iryna Melnyk via Getty Images)
When summer eventually arrives, those fortunate enough to have a garden are eager to make the most of their outdoor space. Usually, this involves giving it a bit of attention – cutting the lawn into a neat, uniform carpet of short grass, while clearing out weeds, withered plants and old pots.
However, this approach might not be the best one. Letting the grass grow slightly taller creates an immediate habitat that supports ground-nesting insects by offering them places to hide, alongside providing shelter for other creatures.
Taller grass also retains moisture more effectively, while some unwelcome weeds such as dandelions offer a food source for emerging spring insects – provided they’re not trimmed too early.
You could choose to leave one area unmowed and if you do, it won’t be long before you notice a marked difference. Attenborough said: “Many of us are completely unaware of the wild world right under our noses.”
The RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) supports this advice. It states: “Mowing your lawn less saves you time and makes a big difference to the wildlife in your garden. Create a mini jungle for beetles and other small creatures to wander and where sparrows and goldfinches can come to feed on the seeds.”
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The nature conservation charity adds this will encourage grasses to “set feed” while allowing wildflowers to bloom and “provide nectar”, with the longer stems creating a “sheltered microclimate”.
It went on: “Avoid using strimmers too, as they can injure hedgehogs, frogs and insect larvae. If you can resist mowing your lawn until late summer, this will mimic the hay meadows of old.”