The Nature Pledge is a list of principles that help nature thrive in our gardens and greenspaces. Whether you have a window box, a small area at your workplace or a large private garden, you can use these principles to improve habitat for wildlife and insects. You can also mitigate the impact of climate change and improve your physical and mental wellbeing.
Purpose of the pledge
In 2019 we declared an ecological emergency and in September 2022 we adopted the Green Infrastructure strategy. This strategy aims to reverse biodiversity loss and support nature recovery.
This Nature Pledge supports the Green Infrastructure Strategy and promotes the need for nature-friendly land management, with a view to generating a community of like-minded people and organisations.
The purpose of the pledge is to share simple principles, promote the need for nature friendly land management, encourage commitment to the pledge and generate a community of like minded organisations.
BCP Council’s strategic greenspaces team carried out formal engagement with the public in autumn 2022. This Nature Pledge has been created in line with the responses received. The three most prioritised principles in those responses are prioritised in the pledge.
We invite you and your workplaces to pledge to the below and support nature in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.
The pledge
Help our nature thrive. Join us in pledging to do things better for nature, to help bring wildlife to your home, school or workplace. Whether you have a window box, small balcony, a large private garden or a small greenspace at your place of work, you can pledge to:
- plant native or wildlife-friendly tree and plant species
- collect rainwater for watering
- stop or reduce chemical use to control weeds
- use only peat-free compost or make your own, if you can
- allow areas to grow naturally without interference and leave space for wildlife
- use natural groundcover and not artificial / plastic products
- install bird and bat boxes on your house/building or in your garden
- reduce mowing to allow more nature in your garden
- manage trees for wildlife value, leaving deadwood and ivy where possible
- include ponds or wetlands where possible
- consider nature friendly material choices
- create more food growing spaces
- volunteer some time to improve nature locally