Benefits of Urban Planting
Discover the Rewards: Embrace Nature’s Benefits in Urban Living.
Benefits of Wildflowers
Wildflowers are great for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects as they are rich in nectar, pollen, and liquid from the leaves.
They also offer shelter for insects and small mammals, protecting them from the elements. Having wildflowers in your garden or a wildflower meadow will attract more insects, providing food for birds, small mammals, and other insects.
In the winter months when food is scarce, wildflower seeds can be eaten by birds and small mammals. Once a wildflower area has become established, it will not only benefit wildlife but also improve ground conditions.
The roots bind together, holding soil in place, preventing soil erosion and nutrient loss. Wildflowers absorb and store carbon in the ground, similar to trees above ground.
Benefits of Ponds & Water Features
Installing a pond, big or small, is a sure way of attracting wildlife into your garden and has many environmental benefits.
Ponds and water features enhance habitats, inviting more wildlife into your garden or open spaces. A pond provides food and fresh water for birds, mammals, insects, and a home for amphibians.
Globally, amphibians are in decline due to modern farming methods that have drained natural ponds to make room for crops.
Not only are ponds beneficial for wildlife, but studies have found that small ponds sequester organic carbon at a rate 20-30 times higher than other habitat types.
Benefits of Trees
Trees have been part of our culture for thousands of years and offer numerous benefits, especially in urban areas.
They provide homes and shelter for wildlife and offer many other benefits for us and the environment. Standing beneath a tree on a hot day provides shade, but trees also absorb carbon, clean the air, produce oxygen, and regulate the atmosphere by releasing moisture.
They help prevent flooding and put on a beautiful show year-round, from spring flowers to autumn foliage.
Benefits of Shrubs & Hedging
Planting shrubs and hedges in your garden or open spaces offers new habitats for wildlife.
Shrubs that flower in winter and early spring provide food for bees and early pollinating insects. Most shrubs are evergreen and hardy, providing shelter for insects during winter.
Hedges act as links between gardens and open spaces, allowing safe passage for small mammals.
They also serve as windbreaks, reduce noise, provide nesting sites for birds, and offer food like berries in winter.
Discover how our urban planting scheme is collaborating with Reading Borough Council by clicking here!
