Biodiversity

Water a young tree this summer

Have you spotted a 'water me' tag on a newly planted tree near you? We are asking residents to support our watering programme and give new trees a drink to help them through the hot summer months. Our new tree tags are durable and long lasting, made from a PVC free material, making them more environmentally friendly.

Newly planted trees need to be watered regularly to ensure they establish and grow successfully, so please feel free to water new trees on your street. Any watering is helpful, but please see below for our top tips:

It's best to water trees early in the morning or later in the evening.
One big drink a week is best, but more often is fine during very hot weather.
Where possible, use collected rainwater or recycled water.
It's easiest to use a watering can or a water bottle. Ideally, try to give at least 1-2 watering cans per watering – although anything you can manage is great. Please do not carry more water than you can safely carry.
Only water a tree if you can get to it safely and easily.
Do not stand in the roadway to water and be aware of other users of the street.
Be careful of tree thorns and avoid contact with the soil.

Some of the newly planted trees will have a watering pipe. Trees with a watering pipe can have water poured directly into the pipe. This tree watering system helps the tree to get the water in the best way. If the new tree has no watering pipe or if you are finding the watering pipe difficult to use, slowly pour the water into the soil around the base of the trunk. Whether you can water once a week or every day in hot weather, every little helps and you will be making a huge difference!

Top Tips for a Wildlife Friendly Garden

A biodiverse garden is one that is overflowing with life and has lots of different plant species attracting many forms of wildlife.

No matter the size of your garden, from a window box in a flat to a large country field, this space can be a haven for insects, birds, and other animals, and play an essential role in supporting our rich biodiversity.

Here are some top tips for a wildlife friendly garden:

Let part of your garden ‘go wild’- When it comes to a wildlife friendly garden, some messiness is good. This area doesn’t have to be neat, trimmed and tidy, as natural debris offers food and a habitat for many species. Overgrown grass, piles of leaves and logs can be a great shelter for animals such as amphibians and hedgehogs. This also encourages insects, which are an essential food source for other animals. Learn how to make a log shelter here.
Plant Wild Flowers- consider turning an unused corner of your garden into a mini wildflower meadow, or even plant a window box or wildflower container if you’re struggling for space. Native wildflowers are great for wildlife as they flower at the right time of year for our native insects. Learn how to grow a mini meadow here.
Make a mini pond- water is a great magnet for wildlife. Including a pond, bird bath, or even just a shallow dish of water in your garden will help many creatures thrive, from birds and dragonflies to frogs and newts. Learn how to make a mini pond here.
Let your grass grow- letting your grass grow not only encourages wildflower growth, but also helps protect the wildlife that calls your garden “home”. Having longer grass allows for a better shelter for creepy crawlies and provides habitats for amphibians and small mammals. Start letting your grass grow by taking part in No Mow May.
Make your own compost- compost is great for making healthy, nutrient-rich soil, perfect for plants and wildlife. Make your own compost with your garden waste and scraps from the kitchen to benefit your garden and reduce the amount of waste you throw in your bins. Learn how to make your own compost here.
Create a hedgehog highway- hedgehogs need to be able to roam far and wide in search of food, mates and nesting sites, with the average hedgehog roaming 2km a night. Encourage hedgehogs and other animals to visit your garden by cutting a hole in your fence at ground level, to create easy access. Learn more here.
Look after your local birds- birds are some of the best-known garden visitors. With natural resources becoming fewer and fewer, offering a helping hand in your garden is a great way to encourage birds to your garden. Nesting boxes, birdbaths and feeders are sure to encourage various birds to return, whilst bug houses and feeders for other bees and beasties will provide a natural food source for visiting birds. Learn how to make your own bird feeder here.

For more things you can do to help wildlife in your garden visit Kent Wildlife Trust's action for wildlife.

Parks and Open Spaces

Get out and about to explore the biodiversity all around you. Maidstone has a wealth of green spaces and gardens just waiting to be explored. Escape the hustle and bustle of the town and enjoy a breath of fresh air in some of the most beautiful parks and gardens in Kent.

In summer 2022 four of our parks in Maidstone, Mote Park, Clare Park, Teston Bridge Country Park and Whatman Park (Millennium River Park), were officially recognised as some of the country’s best and were awarded with Green Flags.

Find out more about Maidstone's parks at Visit Maidstone.

Volunteer with a local group

There are many groups in Maidstone that are already helping our local wildlife and enhancing biodiversity across the borough. Why not see what's local to you by visiting our community groups page. Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, gain knowledge, meet new people and support your community. Local groups are always looking for new volunteers to help support nature thrive in Maidstone.