Local housebuilder Barratt London, part of Barratt Homes, who is building its Millbrook Park and Ridgeway Views developments in Mill Hill, London, has published a new guide with the RSPB which shows how to turn balconies and small gardens into sanctuaries for wildlife.
The RSPB’s ‘Welcome Wildlife into Your World’ guide gives top tips and advice for bringing nature to your home, especially for people with a small amount of outdoor space such as a balcony or courtyard.
From growing wildlife-friendly plants in small spaces, to feeding birds, providing water, giving a home to bees, and sign-posting what wildlife to look out for, you can discover simple things to do that are great for wildlife and for people.
This year has been unlike any other, and while lockdown has brought few benefits it has served to give many people a renewed appreciation of nature. This guide shows how everyone can make a difference, however big or small their outdoor space is.
Adrian Thomas, RSPB’s resident gardening expert, said: “During lockdown many of us were reminded of how big a role nature plays in our own health, both physical and mental. With this guide you can be inspired to bring that nature to your own home – a balcony can be turned into a second home for pollinators with just a few climbing plants, some potted herbs and a shallow saucer of water. Even if you only have a window the local birds will be sure to visit a well-placed window feeder.
“More than 40% of UK wildlife has declined in the past 50 years, but by taking these kinds of small actions you can help give wildlife a home. By welcoming nature into your space, however big or small, you can give it a boost, and let it do the same for you in return. What better way to brighten your day than hearing birdsong or by enjoying flowers in bloom!”
Pam Reardon, Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt East London said: “This is a great guide for helping nature no matter what outside space you have, and it shows just what can be achieved even on a balcony.”
Ed McCoy, Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt West London commented: “We try and give nature a home on all our developments and this guide will help more people to do just that. This year of all years we are all appreciating nature so much more it’s great that people with balconies can turn them into a haven for nature.”
Millbrook Park offers a selection of 1 and 2-bedroom apartments as well as 3 and 4-bedroom houses, with selected homes benefitting from a balcony. Prices start from £419,000.
Ridgeway Views offers a selection of 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, with selected homes benefitting from a balcony. Prices start from £670,000.
For further information or to download the guide, please visit https://www.rspb.org.uk/barratt-developments or www.barratthomes.co.uk/campaigns/giving-nature-a-barratt-home/