biodiversity n the existance of a wide variety of plant and animal species in their natural environments
source: collins english dictionary [paperback edition]
Wikipedia goes a little more indept. I like the second sentence.
Biodiversity is the degree of variation of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome, or an entire planet. Biodiversity is one measure of the health of ecosystems.
To me and you what does it really mean…?
Some I know, have a rough idea that it’s a good green and in fashion buzz word to be aware of. But when quizzed on what, how or even further, what they can do as their little bit…. they honestly didn’t know. Doesn’t surprise me. Even I didn’t realise how biodiverse I already was.
The definitions are above…. but scroll down to the 10 things [below] you can do and you’ll really get a flavour for what it means and moreso what we as individuals can so simply do in any outdoors and in any season to help [y]our ecosystem.
What amazed me from feedback prior to writing this post and in reading up on that information given to me was the amount of Irish sites that either assume everyone understands what this is all about. Here’s the latest email….
Aparently butterfly numbers are up, or down Pete. I can’t remember. But I have no idea how they count them. I’ve less of an idea of what biodiversity is and how butterfly counting helps, or not!!
Sounds silly ? To some, maybe. But I can’t disagree with that. It is the reason I wrote this post and from here – with this as a basic basis post I can try and now delve a little deeper into the bigger picture.
Either or here’s the for starters post. Any questions or thoughts, just leave a comment below.
- Plant a native tree this year – I did a list of Irelands native trees some time ago. The poll will tell you the most popular.
- Put up a bird box – You can buy them but I perfer to make my own. How to put up and make your own bird box
- Harvest rain water – This is really easy and you can buy them from most local councils with your bin tags and claim the tax back. Install a rainwater harvester
- Water lawns and plants at night time – that is, only if you really, really have to. Simple as it sounds. No link needed here.
- Allow some of your lawn or garden to grow wild– this is a great excuse for not cutting that part of the garden you don’t want to.
- Make your own compost bin – I’m not a great fan of the plastic ones personally and I decided to build mine from some leftover timber.
- Avoid using chemicals in your garden – once again, it’s a time and a money saver. Brilliant excuse for everything to look au natural
- Build a log pile – it is as easy as it sounds. I simply stacked some dead branches that I pruned in a pile and forgot about them…. well, y’know what I mean
- Grow a wildlife hedge – they’ll be back in fashion soon enough. Insects and wildlife can’t live on just vegetables and fruit….
- Avoid petrol or electrical garden equipment – instead rake the leaves and use the old push mowers. Even better, you conserve your energy and get himself to do it
