People often think you need a large garden in the countryside to help nature. That’s not true! In the city, every balcony, terrace or window sill can become an essential link in the ‘ecological corridors’.
Only have a few square metres? That’s enough to create a real oasis. Here are 4 simple tips to bring life back to the heart of concrete.
1. Go vertical If you don’t have much floor space, let nature climb your walls! Ivy, honeysuckle and Virginia creeper provide shelter and food for many insects and birds. What’s more, they cool your home in summer.
2. Provide water (the vital element) In the city, water is scarce, especially during summer heatwaves. A simple bowl filled with water (with a few pebbles to prevent insects from drowning) will save the lives of hundreds of thirsty bees, such as the solitary bees we told you about last week.
3. Install suitable equipment You don’t need a giant hotel. There are compact models specially designed for urban walls. A small insect hotel or a high-up tit nesting box is enough to provide a valuable refuge. This is the principle behind our ‘Biodiversity Bubbles’: creating a network of refuges throughout the city.
4. Forget about ‘too clean’ On a balcony or in a courtyard, let a few flower pots wither or leave a small corner of wild soil. According to the Noé Conservation association, accepting a little bit of plant disorder is the key to letting nature take hold.
Conclusion Don’t underestimate your impact. If every city dweller plants greenery in their space, together we can create a huge urban nature park.