Creating Areas for Nature

Why create an area for nature?

Kent is renowned for its natural beauty and for the wide green spaces that sustain our native wildlife. However the value of small green spaces closer to home should not be underestimated. The threat of climate change and the fact that more and more species of British wildlife are becoming endangered due to loss of habitat make the creation and welfare of wildlife areas ever more important. The additional benefits that you can gain from making a wildlife area are enormous. Designing, creating and looking after your very own green space instils a feeling of ownership which can improve mental as well as physical wellbeing.

Who can use this pack?

Anyone! Even the smallest piece of ground can be transformed into a valuable habitat for nature. Whether you want to encourage wildlife within school grounds, in a community space, in your own back garden or merely on a small rooftop, you will find ideas here that can be adapted to suit your needs.

The following pages aim to provide a step-by-step guide to creating and maintaining a space for nature, and the information to seek further guidance if necessary. You will also find links for further research on the topic, and for more information on the wildlife you will be attracting.

Each PDF contains several bookmarks to the left hand side which will allow you to skip straight to the section you require e.g. Ponds

Health and safety

Please do keep health and safety issues in mind when planning your activities. Make a careful judgement on how you involve children.

As with most outdooractivities, there are potential hazards attached and risk assessments should be carried out prior to any work taking place. Safe use of tools and any necessary protective clothing and equipment should also be considered.

Sourcing your materials – why buy local products?

Try to choose products that have not had a detrimental effect on the environment. For example, if you are not producing your own compost, buy it from your local waste recycling site - bags can be purchased at most sites. Local woodland products such as hazel pea sticks and chestnut fence posts should be used instead of bamboo or tanalised softwood, and FSC certified timber ensures that your wood has come from a sustainable source. Ask your Countryside Management Partnership for details (see below).Of course, you may find all sorts of materials in your garden shed that can be recycled and used to fantastic effect. Check what you already have before buying in new products for any activity.

When planning a project in your grounds we would urge youto consider using locally-produced materials wherever possible. Doing so not only puts money into the local economy but also means that your products will have travelled less miles, reducing the carbon footprint of the project.

Kent's Countryside Management Partnerships

Across the county, Kent's Countryside Management Partnerships, supported by Kent County Council, the Kent Eco-Schools Project and the London Borough of Bexley, have collaborated to produce this pack on behalf of the Kent Biodiversity Partnership. If you have any questions regarding the creation of your nature area, please contact your local Partnership for help and advice (see section 1). Alternatively, email cmp@kent.gov.uk for general enquiries about the pack. We welcome any feedback.