|  The number of ways you can help biodiversity is only really limited by your own imagination and determination The number of ways you can help biodiversity is only really limited by your own imagination and determination. All the things that we know are helpful to the environment, such as using less energy and reducing and recycling our waste, benefit biodiversity; but there are also more direct ways to help.
This page contains few suggestions of how you can help to protect biodiversity in your everyday life, and details of who to contact for further information.
 © Richard Burkmar
The Wildlife Truts' LUSH garden at the Chelsea Flower Show 2005.
- Make your own compost, or buy compost that is guaranteed peat free and help to protect our remaining peat bogs.
- Grow plants that provide food for birds and insects such as buddleia or hawthorn.
- Put up a bat or bird box - your local wildlife trust will provide you with information.
- Garden organically - chemicals such as slug pellets can be very harmful to wildlife.
- Grow your own! Even something as small as a window box can be used to grow food. There are lots of useful books on the subjects. If you'd like more space why not get an allotment, or share one with a friend. Contact your local authority for details of allotments in your area.
- Create a mini wildflower meadow.
- Plant a hedge with native species such as hawthorn, field maple or hazel.
- Dig a wildlife pond.
- Recycle as much as possible - contact your local council for details of re-cycling schemes and facilities in your area, or visit www.recycle-more.co.uk for more information and ideas.
- Reduce the amount of energy you use, not only will it save you money but it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions which are one of the biggest threats to biodiversity globally. Visit www.saveenergy.co.uk for tips on how to use less power.
- Buy local, British or organic produce where ever possible. Transporting food around the globe (or even round the country) uses huge amounts of energy which produces greenhouse gasses. The Soil Association website has lots of useful information about organic food, including a directory of suppliers www.soilassociation.org.
- Chose environmentally friendly cleaning products such as Ecover. These are available from most supermarkets
- Re-use your carrier bags, or consider buying shopping bags that can be used again and again.
Community biodiversity projects not only benefit to wildlife, but also enhance the quality of life of all those who live in an area. With a bit of enthusiasm and effort, and help from the right people your community could become a haven for wildlife, here are a few ideas and details of who to contact for help and support:
- Get involved in existing projects. There are thousands up and down the country and it can be a really rewarding way to spend your spare time. www.do-it.org.uk is a really useful website where you can search for volunteering opportunities in your area.
- If you have an idea for a project in your area, maybe an area of waste ground that would make an ideal wildflower meadow, a patch of woodland that needs management or you want to put up bat or bird boxes, then the Wildlife Trust or the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers will be able to help you develop your ideas and assist you in finding funding. Visit www.btcv.org or www.wildlifetrusts.org for more information.
- If you have a community pond that is in need of some attention, or would like to create a community pond, visit the website of the Ponds Conservation Trust at www.pondstrust.org.uk.
You may not necessary think that business and biodiversity go together, but you'd be wrong! Businesses have a huge impact on the environment through the use of energy, water, power and raw materials. Making a few simple changes can reduce this impactBusinesses have a huge impact on the environment through the use of energy, water, power and raw materials. Making a few simple changes can reduce this impact. Most of the ideas in the 'at home' section will be applicable to the work place, but here are a few ideas for ways in which your company can make a positive contribution to biodiversity:
- Become a member of the LBAP partnership. By providing core funding for the biodiversity process your organisation could have a say in guiding the progress of the North Merseyside LBAP. You will also be able to take advantage of the knowledge base amongst the existing members of the partnership.
- Sponsor a species or habitat. If you feel particularly strongly about a particular species or habitat we will be able to provide you with a list of projects that need sponsorship. Your organisation could provide funding for a specific project, or for general work related to this habitat or species, and benefit from the publicity raised as the project progresses.
- Start a project on your land. This could mean creating a pond, planting a wildflower meadow or simply not cutting the grass as often. There may even be grants available to help you meet the cost. If you have an idea, or would like to know what options there are for your land, contact the Wildlife Trust for more information.
- Organise a staff work day. By enabling your staff to get out and do something positive to help biodiversity in your area, you'll also be encouraging them to work better as a team. Making a positive contribution to your local environment will enhance the image of your company, which may pay dividends in the future!
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