From the smallest gardens to the largest national parks, every space holds potential for enhancing biodiversity.
With the right knowledge and approach, you can contribute to this global mission.
In this article, we'll explore evidence-based practices that you can carry out to increase biodiversity.
Whether you're a landowner, a developer, or simply someone passionate about nature, you'll find actionable insights to make a meaningful difference.
Why is Biodiversity Important?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life at all levels — from genes and species to ecosystems. This includes all plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms that populate the planet.
In your garden or local park, biodiversity might be reflected in the variety of birds, insects, trees, and flowers you can spot over the seasons.
Our survival and well-being rests on the shoulders of biodiversity. Every species, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in the large and complex web of life. Bees, for instance, pollinate plants which are a food source for other animals and us.
Biodiversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms, keeps our air clean, our waters pure, and contributes to human health and food security.
Biodiversity also plays a critical role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon—trees, for example, absorb CO2, the major greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.
But the role of biodiversity doesn’t end there.
It’s also a key driver for sustainable development as it contributes to local livelihoods and economic development. For instance, many medicines have been discovered from plant species found in biodiversity hotspots.
Three Main Factors that Increase Biodiversity
As we've established, biodiversity is a crucial aspect of life on Earth, integral to ecosystem stability and resilience.
But how do we increase biodiversity?
Ecosystem Diversity
Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of habitats in a particular area. Whether it's a wetland, a meadow or a forest, each ecosystem has distinct characteristics and species that thrive in them.
One of the effective ways to increase biodiversity is through the restoration of degraded habitats, including areas like forests and wetlands. Restoring these areas provides suitable environments for various species to flourish.
For example, you can create a pond in your garden or plant native tree species to attract and support local wildlife. Remember, even small efforts can contribute significantly to increasing biodiversity.
Species Diversity
Species diversity simply refers to the number of different species in an ecosystem. More diverse ecosystems are typically more stable and resilient to changes, such as climate change or diseases.
Promoting species diversity might involve creating protected areas like national parks or wildlife reserves.
Even on a smaller scale, the variety of plants in your garden can attract various insects and animals, hence increasing species diversity. Different flower shapes attract different species. For instance, honeysuckles are great for butterflies, while foxgloves attract bees.
Genetic Diversity
Genetic diversity is the variety in the genetic makeup of individual species, which is crucial for species' flexibility and adaptability against environmental changes.
Preserving and promoting genetic diversity can be complex but it's fundamentally about protecting species. Conservation strategies like controlling invasive species, sustainable forestry, and legislation can all contribute to preserving genetic diversity.
How to Restore in Damaged Ecosystems
Increasing biodiversity in damaged ecosystems takes time. Depending on the extent of the damage, it could take years or even decades to see the results.
Don't be disheartened, though. Each measure you take today is creating a vital legacy for tomorrow.
Here's how you can play an important part in this effort:
Reintroduce Native Species
Reintroduction involves bringing native species back to their original habitats.
It's an effective way of restoring the natural balance of ecosystems thrown off-kilter by the disappearance of key species. By successfully establishing these native species, you're taking a significant step in moulding a resilient ecosystem.
Rehabilitate Land Areas
It's critical to restore and rehabilitate degraded land areas. Such areas can be rendered unproductive by occurrences like deforestation, overgrazing, or industrial pollution.
These land areas can be resuscitated through processes including:
Reforestation
Adding organic matter to improve soil health
Systematic planting schemes
How to Boost Biodiversity in Forests
An effective way to increase biodiversity is through sustainable forest management practices.
This is more than just planting trees.
It involves the comprehensive assessment of forests and planned interventions, designed to uphold their health and vitality. For instance, selective thinning and controlled burns.
Coppicing, which dates back to the Stone Ages, involves cutting trees at the base of the trunk to allow sunlight to penetrate and other plants to grow.
The tree isn't dead, though! Young tender shoots sprout from the stump, enabling the tree to regenerate over time.
Protect Endangered Tree Species
It goes without saying, but the protection of endangered tree species plays a significant role in boosting biodiversity.
Conserving trees that are on the brink of extinction can in turn provide a home for various fauna who rely on these species for their survival.
Certain birds and insects have specific tree species they prefer or rely on, and the absence of these trees could lead to their eventual disappearance too.
Encourage Indigenous Flora
If we're looking to increase biodiversity, focusing on indigenous or native plants is a good start.
Different plant species provide varying levels of resources for wildlife. For instance, some provide more nectar, others provide shelter, while more still provide better food sources for certain insects or animals.
Encouraging the growth of a diverse range of these indigenous plants, hence, can support a range of different wildlife, contributing significantly to biodiversity.
How to increase Coastal Biodiversity
Shifting our focus to the shoreline, let's explore some impactful ways to increase biodiversity in coastal areas. Coastal ecosystems are rich in diverse species and preserving these habitats brings extraordinary benefits to both their inhabitants and us.
Protect Coastal Habitats
Your first line of action should be protecting existing coastal habitats.
These areas, populated with unique species, are integral to maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the survival of numerous creatures.
This can mean implementing regulations against harmful human activity or establishing protected zones to shelter the ecosystem from disturbances.
Restrict Overfishing
Another key aspect is managing fishing practices - overfishing can drastically diminish biodiversity by disrupting the marine food chain.
Consider campaigning for stricter regulations on fishing methods and limits, or supporting organisations that advocate for sustainable fishing.
Restore Coral Reefs
Finally, we cannot forget the importance of coral reefs - diverse underwater ecosystems endangered by rising water temperatures and pollution.
By coral gardening, we can nurture broken corals in land-based nurseries before returning them back to their natural habitat. Other methods include larval culturing or building structures that encourage coral to grow and thrive.
How to promote biodiversity at home
Increasing biodiversity isn't just an immense task for governments and large organisations. Turns out, your own garden can be a treasure trove of variety!
In this section, we will jump into simple yet substantial ways you can promote biodiversity at home.
Use Natural Fertilisers and Pest Control
Start by swapping synthetic fertilisers for natural alternatives like compost or manure. It is an effective way to enrich your soil with key nutrients needed for plant growth.
Pesticides, while effective in the short-term, can tamper with the natural balance of your ecosystem in the long run. Instead, consider natural pest control methods, such as encouraging pest-eating birds or insects and using homemade sprays.
Focus on Native Plant Species
Native, non-invasive plants are your secret weapons for attracting indigenous wildlife and increasing biodiversity.
These plants have adapted to local conditions over time and are hence easier to grow. They also offer much-needed food and shelter to native animals.
So, next time you're choosing plants for your garden, think local.
Attract Pollinators and Other Insects
Pollinators are the unsung heroes of biodiversity, contributing significantly to plant reproduction.
Attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators to your garden by planting colourful, nectar-rich flowers.
Remember, diversity is key here. Grow a variety of flowering plants to ensure prolonged blooming times.
Add an Open-Water Source
Water is life. By adding a simple water source like a pond or a birdbath to your garden, you invite an array of creatures like birds, frogs, and insects. This alone can increase biodiversity in your home exponentially.
Set Up a Bird Feeder and Insect Hotel
Consider setting up a bird feeder and an insect hotel. These not only provide necessary sustenance and living quarters for local fauna but also give you a front-row seat to nature's spectacle. Variety in bird feed can attract different kinds of birds.
Maintain Your Garden
Finally, embrace a more relaxed attitude towards your garden.
The occasional pile of leaves or logs can provide the perfect habitat for insects, and untrimmed hedges can be a safe haven for birds.
By leaving certain areas of your garden wild, you can discover just how quickly nature reclaims its own.
Beyond Your Garden Gate
Taking responsibility for the wildlife right outside your door is a good starting point, but you can also make a difference beyond your backyard. Let's investigate some actionable steps you can take to increase biodiversity in your local community and environment.
Choose Peat-Free Compost
Peat bogs are a significant source of biodiversity, hosting unique wildlife. When we use peat-based compost, we're depleting this habitat, pushing diverse species towards extinction.
Opting for peat-free compost is a small but helpful step you can take to increase biodiversity. It not only preserves peatland habitats but also assists in carbon storage, providing an added environmental benefit.
Contribute to Local Tree Planting and Rewilding Projects
Local tree planting and rewilding projects can significantly address the issue of habitat loss, a major threat to biodiversity.
Dedicating your time, donating, or even spreading awareness about such initiatives can help bolster local biodiversity.
Remember, every tree planted or patch of land restored helps increase biodiversity.
Eat Seasonal and Organic Produce
Your dietary habits can have a profound impact on local biodiversity.
Eating seasonal and organic produce reduces the demand for monoculture crop farming, often responsible for excessive pesticide use and habitat destruction.
Also, it promotes variety in crop production, fostering biodiversity at the farming level.
Promote Sustainable Clothing Choices
Sustainable fashion might not seem directly related to biodiversity, but it plays a pivotal role.
The fashion industry is notoriously resource-intensive and polluting, leading to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.
By swapping your wardrobe for more sustainable, ethically sourced options, you are indirectly working towards increasing biodiversity.
Advocate for Local Wild Spaces
Harness your community influence and advocate for the protection and creation of local wild spaces.
Whether it's a community garden, a small patch of wildflowers, or a larger park area, these spaces provide crucial habitats that nurture biodiversity.
Encourage landowners, developers, and local authorities to incorporate wildlife-friendly spaces in their plans.
Each action, no matter how small, can contribute to a larger collective impact. Your commitment can indeed make a difference in tackling biodiversity loss, and together, we can answer the pressing question of how to increase biodiversity effectively.
We help developers, landowners, and local authorities to boost biodiversity
It’s hard to choose the right steps to boost biodiversity, especially when it isn’t the main focus of your job.
With the recent introduction of the Biodiversity Net Gain legislation, developers now have to improve the local environment 10% better than when they found it.
Landowners are also missing out on huge investment from these BNG units to help them build habitat banks.
Legacy Habitat Banks helps developers and landowners meet requirements and boost local ecology at the same time.
If you have a new building project that requires planning permission or want to diversify your income with habitat banks, get in touch today.
