The Biodiversity Gardener: Establishing a Legacy for the Natural World

In The Biodiversity Gardener, wildlife author and photographer Paul Sterry shares his experiences and practical advice for unlocking the wildlife potential of gardens and other plots of land in lowland Britain. By giving nature a free hand and fostering habitats appropriate to the region, he has created a small island of flourishing biodiversity in his garden. The book offers a habitat-driven and evidence-based approach, demonstrating how any gardener can create their own biological inheritance for posterity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Over the past decade, wildlife author and photographer Paul Sterry has nurtured, both through action and inaction, what has become a small island of flourishing biodiversity in the half-acre garden that surrounds his north Hampshire cottage. By giving nature a free hand and fostering habitats appropriate to this part of southeast England, he has enabled an abundance of native plant and animal species to call the garden home. This contrasts with the continued decline in biodiversity in the surrounding countryside. In this inspiring and informative book, Sterry tells the story of his own experiences in biodiversity gardening and offers detailed practical advice to anyone who wants to give nature the upper hand on their own bit of land, no matter how small.

Hampshire still retains traces of its rich wildlife heritage, but changes in land use over the past half-century have had a devastating impact on local biodiversity. Against this backdrop, The Biodiversity Gardener presents a habitat-driven and evidence-based approach, describing how any gardener can unlock the wildlife potential of their plot and enjoy the satisfaction of watching it become home to a rich array of native species, including butterflies, wildflowers, grasshoppers, amphibians, and fungi.

In The Biodiversity Gardener, Sterry explains the ecological imperative of adopting this approach. Collectively, biodiversity gardens could leave a lasting legacy—wildlife oases from which future generations stand a fighting chance of restoring Britain's natural heritage. The book encourages and empowers readers to create their own biological inheritance for posterity—and shows them how to do it.

Sterry's approach is based on the principles of habitat creation and management. He advocates for a more naturalistic approach to gardening, where plants and animals are allowed to thrive in their native habitats. This involves creating a variety of habitats, such as meadows, woodland, and wetland areas, to provide food and shelter for different species. Sterry also emphasizes the importance of providing a diverse range of plant species, as each has its own unique ecological role to play.

One of the key aspects of Sterry's approach is the use of native plants. Native plants are adapted to the specific environmental conditions of the region and are more likely to thrive in the garden. They also provide food and shelter for native insects and other wildlife, which in turn helps to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. Sterry encourages gardeners to use a mix of native and non-native plants, as this can provide additional benefits to the garden.

In addition to creating habitats, Sterry also advocates for the management of the garden to promote biodiversity. This includes the use of organic gardening practices, such as composting and crop rotation, to improve soil health and reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides. Sterry also encourages gardeners to provide water sources for wildlife, such as bird baths and ponds, and to create nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.

Sterry's approach to biodiversity gardening is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of space and resources available to many gardeners. Sterry encourages gardeners to make the most of their space by using vertical gardening techniques, such as trellises and hanging baskets, to grow a variety of plants in a small area. He also suggests that gardeners can work together to create larger biodiversity gardens, by sharing resources and knowledge.

Another challenge is the lack of knowledge and understanding of biodiversity gardening among many gardeners. Sterry encourages gardeners to educate themselves about the benefits of biodiversity gardening and to seek out resources and support from local organizations and community groups. He also suggests that gardeners can share their experiences and knowledge with others, to help promote the benefits of biodiversity gardening.

In conclusion, The Biodiversity Gardener is an inspiring and informative book that offers practical advice to anyone who wants to unlock the wildlife potential of their plot and enjoy the satisfaction of watching it become home to a rich array of native species. By adopting a habitat-driven and evidence-based approach, gardeners can create their own biological inheritance for posterity and help to restore Britain's natural heritage. Whether you have a small garden or a large plot, Sterry's approach is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to make a positive impact on the environment.

Weight: 1510g
Dimension: 201 x 248 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691245553