Welcome to our Garden Biodiversity page. Here you can click on the decorated links below to take you to our photograph galleries to see the species of animals, plants and fungi we have recorded. Or click on the species list link, which take you to a full list of the species recorded.
For those wondering why we have or why we think other people should undertake a project like this, then scroll down for some of the health and environmental benefits of doing so.
Viewing the above galleries is a good way to find something you are looking for based on appearance and a little knowledge. However if you know the name of the species in question you can check to see if it has been recorded in the Wildlife Garden by visiting our species list page.
Click link below
Both the species list page and our galleries have organised/grouped species in accordance with well used classification systems. To view a little more information on these systems please click on the link below…
WHY HAVE A GALLERY?
If you are planning a project similar to ours then initially a simple list of species you observe is all you may need. However over time and with some trawling through field guides and the internet you are likely to begin recording less frequent or more obscure species and it is at this stage an image gallery will start to become an asset.
As more and more species are recorded throughout the year/s, it’s easy to forget their names and how you identified them, especially if you are attempting to record as many species as possible. Having your own visual record becomes invaluable in helping to record some of the less frequent visitors.
TIP: All species are likely to be found on Wikipedia, and here you can quickly find in the top right hand corner how each species is classified. Hence organising your species ‘scientifically’ is not especially difficult.
WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT TO UNDERTAKE SUCH A PROJECT?
As noted on our Introduction Page, our aim is to observe, identify, record and present all the wildlife we can find in our small urban Garden in Southwest England. The question that immediately arises is Why? Why on earth do such a thing?
- It’s something anyone can do. You don’t even need a garden. Just pick any area you have legal access to, such as a park, nature reserve or even a bit of waste ground and take the time to record what you see. If you have mobility issue’s it can unfortunately be tricky to get out to some of the best wildlife sites. Whilst this is beyond most peoples control you could consider the fact that such sites are probably already well studied and a local site or in our case a Garden, can really open your eyes to the incredible array of wildlife on peoples’ doorsteps.
- It’s good for the body and mind. The fresh air alone can make all the difference. But the beauty of a project like this is it’s foundation on ‘Observation’. You just need to sit, stand, walk or lie in location and record what you see. It’s like fishing but without the need for all that heavy/expensive equipment. Although you may find you start making a few purchases to help you on the way later on.
- You set the goals. For our project we are interested in actively looking for all wildlife in a small area. But you could just focus on Birds or Flowers or better still pick something no one else is likely to be looking for. How about Mosses or Beetles, whatever you find most interesting and relaxing.
- Develop an expertise, make a difference. You may begin as an ameature, but you could, especially if focusing on a small group of plants, fungi or animals, soon become a bit of an expert. Your records may well become important and we would encourage you to report your findings through local record centres, social media groups. You may even find something rare. Even if you don’t own the land you may well be able to advise those who do on what they can then do to improve the area for wildlife, be this through joining volunteer groups or becoming a member of a local wildlife charity. If you do focus on a garden then you can undertake some of the beneficial changes yourself. It’s like gardening, but for wildlife!
Wildlife Garden 