Nature recovery and farming initiatives integrate ecological restoration with food production. 

 

What you can do this winter (2026)

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A warmer, wetter winter can leave gardens waterlogged and disrupt the seasonal rhythms of local wildlife. Now is the time to set up your water capture systems and rain gardens to slow and capture rain water for future use.

Homeowners and gardeners can help by keeping soil covered with plants or mulch, replacing impermeable surfaces with greener, free-draining areas, and planting a varied mix of native flowers, shrubs and hedging. Leave seed heads, logs and some long grass undisturbed to provide food and shelter, offer clean water, and avoid pesticides and peat-based compost. Small, thoughtful changes can turn every outdoor space into part of a healthier local habitat.

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Stop Using Pesticides

• Avoid chemical weed killers and bug sprays in your yard.

• Pesticides harm helpful insects like bees and butterflies.

• They also wash into soil and water, hurting animals that eat the bugs

 

Reduce Waste and Consumption

• Buy fewer new items and reuse or recycle what you can.

• Avoid single-use plastics that end up polluting natural habitats.

• Cutting down on waste lessens the human pressure on wild forests and oceans

• Wiltshire Council will contribute to the cost of a Green Johanna Composter - https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/9689/Subsidised-food-waste-composters

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Seeds to Sow in September

Sowing hardy annuals directly into the soil in early autumn lets them establish strong root systems to produce early, robust flowers. 

• Cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus): Act as a powerful magnet for bees and beneficial insects.

• Calendula (Pot marigolds): Easy to grow and provides a long-lasting late source of pollen.

• Poppies: Great for supporting local invertebrates and adding vibrant early spring color.

• Wildflower Seed Mixes: September warmth and autumn moisture create the perfect bed for establishing a mini wildflower meadow

For more ideas visit: https://www.greatgreenbedwyn.org.uk/news and 

The Woodland Trust

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

Kew

RHS

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