Wildlife

Become a Wildlife Guardian

Wildlife recovery cannot be delivered by organisations alone. Everyone can play a part.

A Wildlife Guardian is someone who takes positive action for nature where they live, work or spend time. Whether you have a garden, balcony, allotment, business premises, school grounds or simply an interest in nature, there are many ways to help.

Wildlife Guardians do not need specialist knowledge or a regular volunteering commitment. Small actions, taken by lots of people, can make a significant difference across the borough.

Simple actions you can take

Provide water for wildlife

Hot weather and drought can make it difficult for wildlife to find water.

You can help by:

• Putting out shallow bowls of water for birds, hedgehogs and insects
• Creating a small wildlife pond
• Regularly topping up water during hot weather
• Providing stones or ramps so insects can safely access water

Create homes for wildlife

Many species struggle to find places to shelter, nest and breed.

Consider:

• Installing bird boxes
• Installing bat boxes
• Building a hedgehog house
• Creating bug hotels
• Leaving log piles for insects and amphibians
• Retaining dead wood where safe to do so

Plant for pollinators

Pollinating insects are essential for healthy ecosystems and food production.

You can help by:

• Planting native wildflowers
• Growing pollinator-friendly plants
• Creating flowering areas that provide food throughout the year
• Choosing peat-free compost
• Avoiding pesticides where possible

Let nature grow

Not every patch of grass needs to be closely mown.

Wildlife-friendly approaches include:

• Taking part in No Mow May
• Leaving areas of longer grass through summer
• Allowing wildflowers to establish
• Creating naturalised areas within gardens or communal spaces
• Reducing unnecessary strimming and mowing

Longer vegetation can provide food, shelter and breeding habitat for a wide range of species.

Help wildlife during heatwaves and drought

Climate change is increasing pressure on wildlife.

Actions include:

• Watering newly planted trees and plants during prolonged dry periods
• Mulching soils to retain moisture
• Creating shaded areas in gardens
• Retaining ponds and wet areas
• Supporting greening projects in your neighbourhood

These measures can help wildlife survive increasingly hot and dry summers.

Reduce pollution

Small everyday actions can help create healthier habitats.

You can:

• Reduce litter and plastic waste
• Take part in local litter picks
• Dispose of waste responsibly
• Avoid pouring chemicals into drains
• Reduce pesticide and herbicide use
• Use environmentally friendly household products where possible

Record and share wildlife sightings

Recording wildlife helps improve understanding of local biodiversity.

You can:

• Submit wildlife records through recognised recording schemes
• Take part in citizen science projects
• Join organised wildlife surveys
• Share observations with local conservation organisations

Use less water

Reducing water consumption helps protect rivers, wetlands and wildlife habitats.

Simple measures include:

• Installing water butts
• Collecting rainwater for gardens
• Reducing unnecessary water use
• Fixing leaks promptly
• Choosing drought-tolerant planting

What is Maidstone doing?

Maidstone Borough Council is supporting wildlife recovery through a range of projects and initiatives, including:

• Habitat creation and restoration
• Wetland and waterway improvements
• Community orchards and food forests
• Nature Recovery Fund projects
• Conservation grazing schemes
• No Mow May and naturalised grassland management
• Biodiversity enhancements across parks and open spaces
• Delivery of the Biodiversity Action Plan and Rights of Nature Framework.