Famed environmentalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough has urged UK gardeners to stop one common habit right now to protect wildlife. In his new BBC One series, David Attenborough's Secret Garden, the 100-year-old naturalist turns his attention to the hidden worlds of backyards and gardens across the country.
Attenborough's Plea to Gardeners
Attenborough brands gardens as "magical places," some being "almost as diverse as a tropical rainforest." He advises ditching the lawnmower to create habitats for wildlife. Allowing grass to grow longer provides shelter for ground-nesting insects, retains moisture, and offers food sources like dandelions for emerging spring insects.
Benefits of Longer Grass
- Creates habitats for insects like bumblebees, honeybees, wasps, and beetles.
- Provides shelter for hedgehogs and birds.
- Retains soil moisture better than short grass.
- Encourages wildflowers to bloom, offering nectar for pollinators.
Attenborough said: "Many of us are completely unaware of the wild world right under our noses."
RSPB Supports the Advice
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) echoes this guidance, stating that mowing less saves time and makes a big difference for wildlife. They recommend creating a "mini jungle" for beetles and small creatures, where sparrows and goldfinches can feed on seeds. The charity advises avoiding strimmers, as they can injure hedgehogs, frogs, and insect larvae. If possible, resist mowing until late summer to mimic traditional hay meadows.
