Planting
It can be surprisingly easy to create a wildlife area; even just a small area of land such as the corner of a playing field can provide benefits for biodiversity.
Native plant species are always favoured for biodiversity, but some amenity plants can also be of benefit. Planting different species of tree, shrub and flowering plants provides nectar and other food sources through the year. Bees and other insects, which may be in decline, will gain from nectar or pollen-rich plants such as honeysuckle. Planting night-scented flowers, such as jasmine, will attract insects for bats to feed on.
Try not to use chemical weed killers or pesticides. Chemical free management tends to be better for wildlife including insects, which in turn provides a food resource for other birds and animals.
A well-developed shrub bed or hedge provides nest sites for birds and shelter for wildlife such as hedgehogs. Berry bearing trees and shrubs, such as rowan, will provide a food source for birds in the autumn and into winter.
Funding
GRANTnet is a straightforward, free to use service that can help small businesses, charitable and community groups to find suitable funding.
Presented in the format of an online, step-by-step questionnaire, GRANTnet enables you to identify and select only funding schemes and awards that are appropriate for your project. The information on GRANTnet comprises of over 5,000 funding schemes that are available in the UK from European and national sources, directed at the public, private, charitable, and voluntary and community sectors. Follow the link to read more about grants and funding.