Make A Difference

Using your garden to mitigate climate change

Private gardens are the third largest UK land use sector, and in urban areas they form 25% of the landscape. Together, gardens have the potential to help mitigate climate change impacts, and also to enrich our increasingly threatened wildlife. With over 20 million people identifying as gardeners, our choices of plants, cultivation techniques, composts, watering, wild areas, and many other details, can make an important difference, locally and nationally.

Click on the topics below to see how you can help your garden to mitigate climate change, and also enable it to become more resilient, productive and enjoyable. You don't have to do everything all at once - even small changes can bring big benefits.... 

Soil, composting and peat

Soils naturally contain massive amounts of carbon. However, since the mid 20th century, much of this carbon has been lost to the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. We can help return carbon to the soil, by minimising digging and maximising vegetation cover of the soil. This process is accelerated by composting and mulching our gardens. Peat has been very widely used in gardening for decades, but its extraction and use is very environmentally damaging. Fortunately, peat alternatives are now widely available
Rainwater harvesting and use

Climate change is putting more pressure on mains water supplies. By increasing our rain-water storage capacity, and by adopting measures to keep moisture in the ground, we can keep our plants adequately watered, and reduce demand on mains supplies, especially during  dry periods.
Hard surfaces in the garden

Hard paving makes useful paths and terraces. However, cement production is very carbon intensive, paved areas contribute to flash flooding, prevent carbon capture, and contribute to local temperature rises in hot weather.

Garden wildlife - habitat creation

British gardens cover nearly 2500 square miles, a tremendous opportunity to provide a home to wildlife. Nature-friendly gardens act as islands, bridges and corridors connecting your garden to the wider environment and the countryside beyond.
Lawns and meadows

Since the mid-20th century, we have lost over 95% of our wildflower meadows, together with the rich diversity of plants and animals they contained. Fortunately, many gardeners are now managing part of their lawn as a wildflower meadow, so providing vital habitat for grassland plants and animals.
Water for wildlife

Ponds and other wetland features are naturally very rich in wildlife. However, in recent decades, a large proportion of such habitats have been degraded or lost across the UK. Creating a wildlife pond or other wetland in your own garden, is one of the most effective ways of attracting and enriching local wildlife.

Creating cooling shade

Shady trees and shrubs can help cool your garden, and the surrounding area.

Plant choices

Plants are absolutely crucial in tackling climate change and supporting wildlife. Choose plants that help lock up carbon from the atmosphere, that provide cooling shade, and which provide food, shelter and habitat for wildlife.

Home-grown fruit and vegetables

Home-grown fruit and vegetables have a much lower carbon footprint, than the equivalent imported products. In addition, eating more vegetables and less meat, will substantially reduce your carbon footprint.