More on urban biodiversity, and this one involves you

You can start helping at any time since Nature does not take a day off

Earlier this week, we reported on the new action plan that the Swedish capital, Stockholm, has adopted with a view towards engaging all parts of local society in the upkeep of the richness of the ecosystem. This has been borne out of a realization that the thriving of the cities of the future goes through a necessary and beneficial synergy with their surrounding environment. In short, urban people need urban nature to stay vibrant, even if they are sometimes unaware of that.

Here you will find some useful tips to helping biodiversity

Stockholm City Council has some guidelines and advice for residents in the municipality that might also prove useful for the inhabitants of other European cities and towns. Some of the tips are aimed at people who own a garden or a community of property owners who have access to a green space.

In general, building bird’s nesting houses or beehives and allowing gardens to grow wild with native flower species helps attracts birds and bees, the presence of which is a great indicator of environmental vivacity.

Of course, not all green spaces need to be allowed to grow wild and look unkempt but allowing for a section of them to do so can be helpful. However, if one has a green thumb and is keen on gardening anyway, then there are some plants which are known to attract bees and butterflies. Among them are lavender, daisy, rose bush, oregano, sage, thyme, clover, thistles and nettles.

Bird lovers can also do their part by installing birdhouses, ideally in autumn or winter, and the box should be placed in such a way that its entrance does not face direct sunlight.

And maybe some people are not that fond of birds. Then how about bats? They are quiet, nocturnal and also do a great job in controlling annoying insect populations. Few people know it but you can also set up bat-houses as well. Those should be placed higher up, at least 3 or 4 metres from the ground level with a clear view to the entrance.

People who are not fortunate enough to own a garden can help, too. They can keep a tab on animal and plant species that they have seen in the city and report invasive ones. They could also help buy organic goods and donate to nature organizations, or even volunteer at those if they find some free time.