The importance of gardens as part of urban nature corridors
Residential gardens serve as vital components of nature corridors, enhancing biodiversity and providing essential connected habitats for wildlife. By enabling a network of interconnected areas to exist, connected nature corridors facilitate the movement of species, allowing them to traverse urban landscapes more easily. As cities expand, natural habitats become fragmented, but well-planned gardens can help bridge these gaps. A good garden designer will look to ensure that your garden is part of its surrounding landscape, taking nature corridors into consideration.
By incorporating a variety of native and near-native plants, gardens attract a diverse range of pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects, contributing to a healthier ecosystem. Residential gardens, community parks, and even balconies and terraces can create stepping stones, allowing animals to migrate safely between larger green spaces, such as parks and nature reserves.
Gardens also improve the local environment by enhancing air quality, mitigating noise pollution, and reducing urban heat. They act as miniature ecosystems, filtering rainwater and preventing runoff, which benefits both gardens and the surrounding environment.
Engaging in wildlife-friendly gardening practices, such as planting native and near-native plants, adding water features, and installing birdhouses, encourages more species to inhabit these spaces. As more people embrace gardening, we create a collective impact that supports biodiversity and strengthens our natural corridors, ultimately fostering a healthier planet for future generations. Embracing gardens not only improves our immediate surroundings but nurtures our connection to nature.
Profile:
Tom Angel is a Chartered Horticulturist, Master of Horticulture (RHS), former branch chairman of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, and worked previously as a landscape maintenance contractor. Tom is a passionate naturalist and loves encouraging wildlife into all his garden design projects in Glasgow and beyond.
To discuss any aspect of wildlife garden design, give Tom a call on 0141 432 1141 or email on tom@tomangel.co.uk