Photograph: Allan MacRitchie
What is Biodiversity? Biodiversity is a term commonly used to describe the variety of life on earth from the smallest insect to the largest tree, a garden bird to humans. Biodiversity is about the whole range of life. You can find biodiversity almost everywhere; in your garden, road verges, farmland, woodlands, and the seashore. Protecting animals and plants, even the most common ones, and caring for the places where they live helps us conserve this rich variety of life for many years to come. The Hidden Gardens Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) The aim of our LBAP is to secure the conservation, enhancement and public appreciation of biodiversity within The Hidden Gardens.
Photograph: Pauline Slaven
Habitat Photograph: Rosalie Soudry Objective 1 Continue sustainable management of existing woodland habitat. Target Increase the populations of native bluebell and wood cranesbill (both species identified as priority in Glasgow LBAP) by propagation and planting. Objective 2 Increase the nectar sources for butterflies and bees. Target Create a meadow habitat within the Hidden Gardens (2011/12). A place where a plant or animal can get the food, water, shelter and space it needs to live. Woodland Meadow Herbaceous Borders Objective 3 Review management to maximize the biodiversity potential within the gardens. Enhance the benefits of the habitats for wildlife by increasing and maintaining existing log piles, bug hotels. Carry out an investigation into feasibility of introducing a wetland habitat. The Hidden Gardens Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) The aim of our LBAP is to secure the conservation, enhancement and public appreciation of biodiversity within The Hidden Gardens.
Photograph: Allan MacRitchie
Water Vital for a healthy garden supporting wildlife. Usage Recycling For wildlife Photograph: Amanda Ratterson Objective 1 Through management practices we will use water wisely. We will demonstrate effective gardening practices to showcase sustainable use of water within the gardens. We will collect rainwater from guttering and investigate the use of grey water. Objective 2 We will ensure water sources are available for wildlife. Target We will provide drinking and bathing water for birds, mammals, invertebrates, and investigate development of a wetland habitat within the gardens. The Hidden Gardens Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) The aim of our LBAP is to secure the conservation, enhancement and public appreciation of biodiversity within The Hidden Gardens.
Photograph: Sandie Coakley
Food Photograph: Kevin Mullan Objective 1 Continue to extend the range of flowering plants through the seasons to provide a nectar source for bees and butterflies throughout the year. We will consider planting to provide food for wildlife as a priority in any future developments within the gardens. We will investigate the possibility of installing an edible hedge within the gardens. By providing food for animals within the gardens through managed planting schemes we can demonstrate effective wildlife gardening to the visiting public. Nectar rich flower borders Native trees and shrubs bearing fruit, seeds or berries Bird feeders Objective 2 Provide food for birds. Provide food through ongoing maintenance of trees and shrubs bearing fruits and berries. Continue to maintain our bird feeders throughout the year. The Hidden Gardens Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) The aim of our LBAP is to secure the conservation, enhancement and public appreciation of biodiversity within The Hidden Gardens.
Photograph: Margaret Walker
Shelter Photograph: Mary Keenan Objective 1 Continue to manage the gardens to enhance and protect wildlife. Continue to leave areas undisturbed, particularly woodland floor allowing a rich invertebrate population to develop. Increase specific shelters through additional log piles, bug hotels, leaving hollow stems and seed heads for hibernating lacewings and ladybirds. Creating undisturbed areas where grass can grow, flowers can set seed and wildlife can find shelter. Create natural shelter Designate undisturbed areas Raise awareness of wildlife sanctuary Objective 2 Effectively manage the visiting public so as not to disturb the protected areas. Target Raise visitor awareness of the importance of leaving areas undisturbed, through education, interactive workshops and informative displays. The Hidden Gardens Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) The aim of our LBAP is to secure the conservation, enhancement and public appreciation of biodiversity within The Hidden Gardens.
Photograph: Paula Murdoch
Species Insect, invertebrate, bird and mammal populations that are an important part of the biodiversity of The Hidden Gardens. Birds Bees Butterflies Photograph: Shazia Sarfraz Objective 1 Establish an accurate picture of the currant status of wildlife in the gardens. Continue with ongoing surveys of birds, bumblebees and butterflies and invite experts to conduct more in depth investigations. Participate in national surveys. Objective 2 Provide educational training opportunities. Showcase the diversity within the gardens through leaflets, guided walks and involvement of volunteers. The Hidden Gardens Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) The aim of our LBAP is to secure the conservation, enhancement and public appreciation of biodiversity within The Hidden Gardens.
Photograph: Liz Thomson
Environmental Awareness We aim to use The Hidden Gardens as a showcase for environmentally aware gardening practices and skills. Composting Recycling Water conservation No pesticides Photograph: Fiona Robertson Objective 1 Commitment to composting on site to use within the Gardens and to reduce landfill waste. We will demonstrate various composting methods, trialling new ideas and informing visitors of how they can compost at home. We will use peat free, green waste composts where possible, being aware of current developments in peat free seed composts and trialling within the gardens. Objective 2 Commitment to the exclusion of pesticides from the Gardens. We will continue to make our own organic fertilizers and use our homemade compost to feed the ground. We will investigate organic methods of pest control. Objective 3 Demonstrate a commitment to recycling and water conservation. Target We will put into place procedures for effective recycling and water conservation. We will demonstrate our practices for educational purposes. The Hidden Gardens Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) The aim of our LBAP is to secure the conservation, enhancement and public appreciation of biodiversity within The Hidden Gardens.