Courtyards and gardens

There are many simple ways to support the biodiversity of your local environment, such as your own yard. Biodiversity can be easily increased by creating nesting sites for organisms and planting food plants. Different tree species enable and support the living conditions of many other species. For example, common alder benefits hundreds of different species in various ways. Willow hedges are enjoyed and inhabited by many insects and birds. Brush piles and stacks of wood provide nesting sites for both insects and small mammals. In addition, meadows, grassy areas, and thickets offer both food and shelter for numerous different organisms.

Many people think that only a freshly cut lawn is the hallmark of a well-kept yard. However, a little "untidiness" enriches the habitat. For example, many plants considered weeds from a human perspective are food for butterflies and their larvae. If there is enough space in the yard, it is advisable to leave some natural areas where these flower bed intruders can thrive. A natural area also reduces the amount of maintenance work. Many seeds are also suitable for birds and, when ripe, attract them to the yard to feed.

Information on building various nest boxes and birdhouses for birds, bats, hedgehogs, etc., can be found online. There is also a lot of information regarding different food plants, and by choosing the right plants for your yard, you can attract butterflies, hawk moths, birds, and other organisms.

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Town house areas

The plant choices in the yard of a detached town house can support wild organisms by providing food and nesting sites. When choosing plants, favor local varieties and tree species. Deadwood and unmaintained areas can be left in the yard as shelters for insects. Birdhouses can be installed in the yard's trees, and butterfly plants can be planted in flower beds. Tree leaves can be left unraked in the fall, and winter stalks can be left to provide seeds for birds during the winter.

Apartment buildings

The same methods used in detached house yards can be applied in the yards of apartment buildings. If the yard area is small and mostly asphalt, birdhouses and insect hotels can be installed on the building's walls. Part of the yard's green area can be turned into a meadow, and a flower bed based on butterfly plants can be planned for the area. Apartment building yards may have unused areas where biodiversity efforts can be targeted. It is good to monitor the age distribution of the trees in the yard area, and as the trees age, tree seedlings can be planted preventively.

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